David Halliday, Robert Resnick
ISBN #9781119460138
11th Edition
4,175 Questions
Homework Questions
This section of nuclear physics explores the fundamental structure of the atomic nucleus, including how experiments like Rutherford scattering led to the discovery of a dense, positively charged nucleus. It covers the concepts of binding energy, mass excess, and various decay processes (alpha and beta decay) that obey exponential decay laws with defined half-lives. Additionally, the material introduces nuclear models—both the collective model and the independent particle model—and explains how modern applications such as radioactive dating and radiation dosage assessments are based on understanding these nuclear processes. Overall, the lessons emphasize the extraordinary energy scales involved in nuclear reactions and how quantum effects like tunneling play a pivotal role in phenomena such as alpha decay.
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CONCEPT
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A ${ }^{7} \mathrm{Li}$ nucleus with a kinetic energy of $3.00 \mathrm{MeV}$ is sent toward a ${ }^{232} \mathrm{Th}$ nucleus. What is the least center-to-center separation between the two nuclei, assuming that the (more massive) ${ }^{232} \mathrm{Th}$ nucleus does not move?
Calculate the distance of closest approach for a head-on collision between a $5.30 \mathrm{MeV}$ alpha particle and a copper nucleus.
A $10.2 \mathrm{MeV}$ Li nucleus is shot directly at the center of a Ds nucleus. At what center-to-center distance does the Li momentarily stop, assuming the Ds does not move?
In a Rutherford scattering experiment, assume that an incident alpha particle (radius $1.80 \mathrm{fm}$ ) is headed directly toward a target gold nucleus (radius $6.23 \mathrm{fm}$ ). What energy must the alpha particle have to just barely "touch" the gold nucleus?
When an alpha particle collides elastically with a nucleus, the nucleus recoils. Suppose a $5.00 \mathrm{MeV}$ alpha particle has a headon elastic collision with a gold nucleus that is initially at rest. What is the kinetic energy of (a) the recoiling nucleus and (b) the rebounding alpha particle?