Understanding Nuclear Size and Energy Conversion

What happens to the kinetic energy of an alpha particle as it approaches a gold nucleus?

• It is converted into potential energy.

• It increases.

• It remains constant.

• It is converted into thermal energy.

Which formula represents the potential energy between two charges?

• Potential energy = charge1 - charge2 / (4 * pi * epsilon * distance)

• Potential energy = charge1 * charge2 * (4 * pi * epsilon * distance)

• Potential energy = charge1 + charge2 / (4 * pi * epsilon * distance)

• Potential energy = charge1 * charge2 / (4 * pi * epsilon * distance)

What is the value of the elementary charge used in the calculation?

• 4.6 * 10^6 C

• 8.85 * 10^-12 C

• 1.6 * 10^-19 C

• 1.6 * 10^19 C

What is the calculated distance of closest approach for the alpha particle?

• 4.94 * 10^6 m

• 4.94 * 10^-6 m

• 4.94 * 10^4 m

• 4.94 * 10^-4 m

What is the significance of quantum effects at small scales?

• They simplify calculations.

• They are negligible and can be ignored.

• They are only relevant at large scales.

• They dominate and make the world behave strangely.