Question

Calculate the maximum energy that a 3-MeV alpha particle can transfer to an electron in a single collision.

Answer 1

Answer:

The maximum energy that can be transferred to an electron in a single collision of alpha particle is 1.63 keV

Explanation:

let mass of electron, Me = 1

let mass of proton, Mp = 1836Me = 1836

let mass of alpha particle, Ma = 4Mp = 7344

The maximum energy that can be transferred to an electron in a single collision is given by;

$Q_{max} = \frac{4mME}{(M+m)^2}\\\\Q_\alpha_{max} = \frac{4(1)(7344)(3\ MeV)}{(1+7344)^2} = 0.00163 \ MeV = 1.63 \ KeV$

Therefore, the maximum energy that can be transferred to an electron in a single collision of alpha particle is 1.63 keV