Question

In a Rutherford scattering experiment when a projectile of charge z₁ and mass M₁ approaches a target nucleus of charge z₂ and mass M₂, the distance of closest approach is r_o. The energy of the projectile is 

(a) directly proportional z₁z₂ 

(b) inversely proportional to z₁ 

(c) directly proportional to mass M₁ 

(d) directly proportional to M₁ x M₂

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) directly proportional z₁z₂ 

Explanation:

Energy of the projectile is the potential energy at closest approach

Therefore energy ∝z₁z₂.