Class 12 Physics simulations · Atoms

Rutherford alpha scattering

Send an alpha particle past a nucleus and vary the impact parameter.

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What to notice

A smaller impact parameter or lower incident energy produces a larger deflection.

Key relation

θ = 2 tan⁻¹(kZ e²/(Eb))

Try this

Compare a near miss with a distant pass.

What you can change

• Alpha kinetic energy: 2 to 8 MeV
• Impact parameter b: 10 to 80 fm
• Target nuclear charge: choose Aluminium, Z = 13, Silver, Z = 47, Gold, Z = 79

More in Atoms

• Bohr’s atomic model
• Bohr orbits and electron waves
• Hydrogen energy-level ladder
• Spectral lines of hydrogen-like ions
• Hydrogen emission spectrum

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