Rutherford scattering and nuclear radius Quiz
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5 questions, one answer each
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1. In the alpha scattering experiment, which observation showed that the atom has a small, dense nucleus?
- A. Most alpha particles passed straight through
- B. A few alpha particles were scattered through more than 90°
- C. Alpha particles were absorbed by the foil
- D. The detector counted fewer particles at small angles
2. What happens to the distance of closest approach if the alpha particle's kinetic energy is quadrupled?
- A. It is doubled
- B. It is halved
- C. It is unchanged
- D. It is quartered
3. Why must electrons used to measure nuclear radius have energies of hundreds of MeV?
- A. They need to be absorbed by the nucleus
- B. Their wavelength must be similar to the size of the nucleus
- C. They must overcome the strong force
- D. They must be moving slower than light
4. A nucleus has nucleon number 27 and R₀ = 1.2 fm. What is its radius?
- A. 1.2 fm
- B. 3.6 fm
- C. 32 fm
- D. 2.4 fm
5. What does R = R₀A^(1/3) show about nuclei?
- A. Their mass is the same for all nuclei
- B. Their density is the same for all nuclei
- C. Their volume is proportional to R
- D. Their radius is independent of A