physics-algebra based

N

nickname

New member
Joined
Mar 24, 2009
Messages
39
Physics question magnitude of acceleration of alpha particles due to force
Hello,

The following question has two parts, I answered the first one (the answer is correct, but I don't know if my method is) and I do not know how to solve the second part (part b)

part a) the nucleus of ^8 Be, which consists of 4 protons and 4 neutrons, is very unstable and spontaneoulsy breaks unto two alpha particles (helium nuclei, each consisting of two protons and two neutrons).
what is the force between the two alpha particles when they are 5.00x10^-15 m apart?

I did:

F= k (q1 xq2)/r^2

charge of proton = (1.6x10^-17 C) so (1.6x10^-17 C)^2=2.56x10^-38C^2

8.99x10^9 N m^2/C^2 (2.56x10^-38C^2 / (5.00x10^-15m)^2)
=9.20576N then 9.20576N times 4 (because they are in total 4 protons +4 neutrons) = 36.8 N = correct answer

part b) what will be the magnitude of the acceleration of the alpha particles due to this force? Note that the mass of the alpha particles is 4.0026u

The answer is 5.54x10^27 m/s^2 but how do i solve it? I am confused in what formula to use.


thank you for your help!
 
nickname said:
Physics question magnitude of acceleration of alpha particles due to force
Hello,

The following question has two parts, I answered the first one (the answer is correct, but I don't know if my method is) and I do not know how to solve the second part (part b)

part a) the nucleus of ^8 Be, which consists of 4 protons and 4 neutrons, is very unstable and spontaneoulsy breaks unto two alpha particles (helium nuclei, each consisting of two protons and two neutrons).
what is the force between the two alpha particles when they are 5.00x10^-15 m apart?

I did:

F= k (q1 xq2)/r^2

charge of proton = (1.6x10^-17 C) so (1.6x10^-17 C)^2=2.56x10^-38C^2

8.99x10^9 N m^2/C^2 (2.56x10^-38C^2 / (5.00x10^-15m)^2)
=9.20576N then 9.20576N times 4 (because they are in total 4 protons +4 neutrons) = 36.8 N = correct answer

part b) what will be the magnitude of the acceleration of the alpha particles due to this force? Note that the mass of the alpha particles is 4.0026u

The answer is 5.54x10^27 m/s^2 but how do i solve it? I am confused in what formula to use.


thank you for your help!
Click to expand...

Are you saying that you do not know an equation which involves those three parameters - and only those three parameters?
 
Hello,

I know that f=ma so a=f/m.

I got it correct now, I was plugging the wrong numbers.

Thanks! :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top