Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 37 - The Foundations of Modern Physics - Exercises and Problems - Page 1123: 36

Answer

${\bf 5.46}\;\rm MeV$

Work Step by Step

To find the energy of the alpha particle emitted during the radioactive decay of $^{222}\rm{Rn}$, we can use the principles of cyclotron motion in a magnetic field. The centripetal force acting on the alpha particle in its cyclotron motion is provided by the magnetic force. The formula for the magnetic force on a charged particle moving perpendicular to a magnetic field is: $$F = qvB $$ and according to Newton's second law, $$F = \frac{mv^2}{r} $$ Thus, $$qvB = \frac{mv^2}{r}$$ We can solve for the velocity of the alpha particle: $$ v = \frac{qBr}{m} \tag 1$$ The kinetic energy of the alpha particle is given by: $$K = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 $$ Plug from (1); $$K = \frac{1}{2}m\left[\frac{qBr}{m} \right]^2 $$ The charge of an alpha particle is twice the charge of a proton, $q=2e$, and its mass is 4 times the mass of one proton, $m=4m_p$ $$K = \frac{4e^2B^2r^2}{2(4m_p)} $$ $$K = \frac{ e^2B^2r^2}{ 2m_p} $$ Plug the known; $$K = \frac{ (1.6\times 10^{-19})^2(0.75)^2(0.45)^2}{ 2 (1.67\times 10^{-27})} $$ $$K=\bf 8.73054\times 10^{-13}\;\rm J=\color{red}{\bf 5.46}\;\rm MeV$$
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