Question

An alpha particle can be produced in certain radioactive decays of nuclei and consists of two protons and two neutrons. The particle has a charge of q = +2e and a mass of 4.00 u, where u is the atomic mass unit, with 1 u = 1.661 ✕ 10−27 kg. Suppose an alpha particle travels in a circular path of radius 4.70 cm in a uniform magnetic field with B = 1.40 T. Calculate the following values.

(a) its speed

m/s

(b) its period of revolution

s

(c) its kinetic energy

eV

(d) the potential difference through which it would have to be accelerated to achieve this energy

V

Answer 1