Question

Are the nucleons fundamental particles, or do they consist of still smaller parts? One way to find out is to probe a nucleon just as Rutherford probed an atom. What should be the kinetic energy of an electron for it to be able to probe a nucleon? Assume the diameter of a nucleon to be approx. `10^(-15)m`.

Answer 1

Yes, the nucleus (neutrons and protons) are fundamental particles. To resolve two objects, say nucleus separated by distance d, the wavelength `lambda` of probing signal must be less than or equal to d.
As `d=10^(-15)m`, therefore to detect separates parts, if any, insides a nucleon, the electron must have a wavelength `lambdale10^(-15)m`. Now, `lambda=h/p or p=h/lambda` and Kinetic energy, `K=pc=(hc)/lambda=(6.63xx10^(-34)xx3xx10^(8))/(10^(-15))"joule"`
`K=(19.89xx10^(-11))/(1.6xx10^(-19))eV ~=10^(9)eV=1GeV`