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You plan to pass alpha particles through a field that contains a consistent type of particle. Which configuration will result in the largest deflection of alpha particles? (1 point)

Responses which answer is correct a b c or d and why

low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number-particles
low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number-particles

low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number-particles
low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number-particles

high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number-particles
high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number-particles

high-energy alpha particles passing through a field of high mass-number-particles

1 answer

The correct answer is: low-energy alpha particles passing through a field of low mass-number particles.

Explanation:

  1. Alpha Particles: Alpha particles are positively charged and relatively heavy (made of 2 protons and 2 neutrons).

  2. Deflection: The deflection of charged particles like alpha particles in a field is influenced by the mass and charge of the particles they interact with.

  3. Energy of Alpha Particles: Low-energy alpha particles are less resistant to deflection because they have less momentum. Therefore, a lower initial kinetic energy results in a greater influence from an electromagnetic field.

  4. Mass Number of Perturbing Particles: When alpha particles pass through particles with a low mass number, the interactions can result in greater deflections, as the lighter particles can change the direction of the alpha particles more readily compared to heavier particles. A high mass-number particle would be more massive and the effect of deflection might be minimized due to the greater inertia of the heavier target particles.

Overall, low-energy alpha particles encountering low mass-number particles will result in a greater deflection due to the combination of their lower momentum (making them more susceptible to changes in direction) and more effective interactions with the lighter particles.