What type of collision is most probable when the impact parameter is much greater than the atomic radius?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the type of collision that occurs when the impact parameter, which refers to the distance of closest approach between two colliding particles, is significantly larger than the atomic radius. This situation suggests that the particles are less likely to interact, implying that the collision is likely to be of a specific type such as elastic or inelastic collision. The question requires knowledge of collision theory in physics.
Answer
Elastic scattering involving large impact parameters, such as Rutherford scattering.
The final answer is elastic scattering involving large impact parameters, such as Rutherford scattering.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is elastic scattering involving large impact parameters, such as Rutherford scattering.
More Information
When the impact parameter is much greater than the atomic radius, collisions tend not to strongly interact with the nucleus or core electrons. Instead, the interactions may involve peripheral areas, leading to elastic scattering such as in Rutherford scattering.
Tips
A common mistake is to associate large impact parameters with stronger interactions, but it actually implies weaker interactions—often leading to elastic scattering.
Sources
- Chapter 6 Collisions of Charged Particles - ocw.mit.edu
- Impact parameter - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
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