An alpha particle is emitted from a radioactive source with an energy of 5 MeV.How fast is it moving (in m/s)? (m = 4.002 603 u,1 u = 1.66 *10^-²⁷ kg. )

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The kinetic energy (KE) of the alpha particle is given by KE = 0.5 * m * v^2. Solving for v, we get v = sqrt((2 * KE) / m). Substituting KE = 5 MeV = 5 * 1.60218 * 10^-13 J and m = 4.002603 u = 4.002603 * 1.66 * 10^-27 kg, we find v ≈ 1.6 * 10^7 m/s.

An Alpha Particle Is Emitted from a Radioactive Source with an Energy