Join the Most Relevant JEE Main 2025 Test Series & get 99+ percentile! Join Now
Search any question & find its solution
Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
A nucleus of mass number $A$, originally at rest, emits an $\alpha$-particle with speed $v$. The daughter nucleus recoils with a speed
PhysicsCenter of Mass Momentum and CollisionAIIMSAIIMS 2004
Options:
  • A $\frac{2 v}{A+4}$
  • B $\frac{4 v}{A+4}$
  • C $\frac{4 v}{A-4}$
  • D $\frac{2 v}{A-4}$
Solution:
2806 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: $\frac{4 v}{A-4}$
${ }^A X \quad \rightarrow{ }^{A-4} Y+\alpha^4$ (parent nucleus) (daughter nucleus)
As the parent nucleus is at rest, then according to conservation of momentum.
$$
\begin{aligned}
& \Rightarrow \quad 0=m_Y v_Y+m_\alpha v_\alpha \\
& \Rightarrow \quad 0=(A-4) v_Y+4 v
\end{aligned}
$$


$$
\Rightarrow \quad v_Y=\frac{4 v}{A-4} \text {, the recoil speed of daughter nucleus. }
$$

Looking for more such questions to practice?

Download the MARKS App - The ultimate prep app for IIT JEE & NEET with chapter-wise PYQs, revision notes, formula sheets, custom tests & much more.