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: 42

Answer

${\bf 1.77\times 10^7}\;\rm V$

Work Step by Step

To solve this problem, we can use the principle of conservation of energy. Initially, the alpha particle has only kinetic energy, and as it moves closer to the $\rm ^{238}U$ nucleus, some of this kinetic energy is converted into electric potential energy. $$U_i+K_i=U_f+K_f$$ $$\dfrac{kQq}{r_i}+K_i=\dfrac{kQq}{r_f}+K_f$$ where $Q=Z_{\rm ^238U}e=92e$ is the charge of the nucleus, $2e$ is the charge of the alpha particle, $r_i=\infty$, and $r_f=r_{\rm ^238U}=7.5\;\rm fm$, $K_f=0$ $$0+K_i=\dfrac{k(2e)(92e)}{r_{\rm ^238U}}+0$$ $$ K_i=\dfrac{184ke^2}{r_{\rm ^238U}} $$ Recalling that $\Delta K=q\Delta V$, so $$ (2e)\Delta V=\dfrac{184ke^2}{r_{\rm ^238U}} $$ Thus, $$ \Delta V=\dfrac{184ke}{2 r_{\rm ^238U}} $$ Plug the known; $$ \Delta V=\dfrac{184(9\times 10^9)(1.6\times 10^{-19})}{2(7.5\times 10^{-15})} $$ $$\Delta V=\color{red}{\bf 1.77\times 10^7}\;\rm V$$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.