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
In the Rutherford's alpha scattering experiment, as the impact parameter increases, the scattering angle of the alpha particle.
PhysicsAtomic PhysicsKCETKCET 2023
Options:
  • A remains the same
  • B is always $90^{\circ}$
  • C decreases
  • D increases
Solution:
2819 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: decreases
In the Rutherford's $\alpha$-scattering experiment,
impact parameter $(b)$ and scattering angle $\theta$ are related as,
$\begin{aligned} b & =\frac{1}{4 \pi \varepsilon_0} \cdot \frac{z e^2 \cot \frac{\theta}{2}}{\left(\frac{1}{2} m v^2\right)} \\ \Rightarrow \quad b & \propto \cot \frac{\theta}{2}\end{aligned}$
Thus, with the increase of impact parameter $(b)$, $\cot \frac{\theta}{2}$ increases. It is possible only when $\theta$ will decrease.

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.