Question

What happens to an alpha particle in a head-on collision with the nucleus?

Options

• Its impact parameter is large, and it rebounds.

• Its impact parameter is minimum, and it goes nearly undeviated.

• Its impact parameter is minimum, and it rebounds.

• Its impact parameter is large, and its deflection is small.

Answer 1

A head-on collision has the minimum impact parameter. The alpha particle reverses direction and rebounds.