Alpha particles (mass ) are emitted from a radioactive source with a speed of of the…

MATHEMATICS · Multi-part · AoPS · Mathematics · Ratios and Percents · Percent

Problem

Alpha particles (mass 6.68×10−27 kg6.68\times10^{-27}\,\text{kg}) are emitted from a radioactive source with a speed of 1.5%1.5\% of the speed of light. (i) Show that this speed is low enough for the non-relativistic approximation to be valid for the alpha particles. (ii) Calculate the de Broglie wavelength associated with these alpha particles. (iii) What speed must neutrons have so that their de Broglie wavelength is equal to that found in part (ii)?

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