Na-4 Rutherford Scattering
Published: Friday 17 March 2006 - Updated: Thursday 31 March 2011
Aim
To demonstrate particle trajectory in the field of a repulsive force.
Apparatus
- Potential well apparatus
- ball bearing
Diagrams
Click on pictures to enlarge.
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Rutherford Scattering Pic |
Videos
Rutherford Scattering 1 |
Rutherford Scattering 2 |
Description
A ball bearing is released from a small ramp directed towards a potential hill. The ramp may be slid laterally to direct the ball towards any particular portion of the potential well. The trajectory of the ball mimics the Rutherford scattering trajectories seen with protons directed towards a nuclear potential well.