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NEET
Exam
NEET
Subject
Physics
Chapter
Atomic Physics

NEET · Physics · Atomic Physics

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A)...

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): In the Geiger-Marsden experiment, for a given impact parameter and incident kinetic energy, a target nucleus with a larger atomic number (ZZ) will scatter an α\alpha-particle by a larger angle.
Reason (R): The Coulomb repulsive force between the α\alpha-particle and the target nucleus is inversely proportional to the atomic number of the target nucleus.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

Options

  1. ABoth (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
  2. BBoth (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
  3. C(A) is true but (R) is false
  4. D(A) is false but (R) is true

Correct answer

C. (A) is true but (R) is false

Step-by-step solution

The impact parameter bb is given by the relation b=Ze2cot⁡(θ/2)4πϵ0Kb = \dfrac{Z e^2 \cot(\theta/2)}{4 \pi \epsilon_0 K}.

For a fixed impact parameter bb and incident kinetic energy KK, the product Zcot⁡(θ/2)Z \cot(\theta/2) is constant. If the atomic number ZZ increases, cot⁡(θ/2)\cot(\theta/2) must decrease. Since cot⁡(θ/2)\cot(\theta/2) is a decreasing function for angles between 0∘0^\circ and 90∘90^\circ, the scattering angle θ\theta must increase. Thus, the Assertion (A) is true.

The Coulomb repulsive force between an α\alpha-particle (charge 2e2e) and a nucleus (charge ZeZe) is F=14πϵ0(2e)(Ze)r2F = \dfrac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \dfrac{(2e)(Ze)}{r^2}. This force is directly proportional to the atomic number ZZ, not inversely proportional. Thus, the Reason (R) is false.

Therefore, (A) is true but (R) is false.

Answer: (A) is true but (R) is false
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