Question

The Rutherford scattering formula breaks down (i.e. fails to describe the data) if the incoming alpha particles actually enter the nucleus. Nuclear radii (in meters) have been found to be approximated by the formula R=(1.12x10^-15)A^1/3 where A is the atomic mass number..   Beyond what kinetic energy (in MeV) would an alpha particle scattering off of a Silicon nucleus no longer be described by the Rutherford formula? (Use the formula above for both the Silicon and the Helium nucleus and explore the limiting case where the surfaces barely touch). Assume the silicon nucleus remains stationary.

Answer 1