Just after an alpha particle leaves the nucleus,would you expect it to speed up? Why?
A)No.Once the alpha particle leaves the nucleus it is slowed by the repulsion of the next closest atom's nucleus.
B)No.As the alpha particle leaves the nucleus it is slowed by the constant attraction of the electrons surrounding the nucleus.
C)Yes.Once the alpha particle leaves the nucleus there are no more forces acting on it and it therefore accelerates.
D)Yes.Once the alpha particle leaves the nucleus it accelerates because of mutual electric repulsion with the nucleus from which it escaped.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Once an alpha particle leaves the nucleus, it is repelled by the positive charge of the nucleus it just exited. This mutual electric repulsion between the positively charged nucleus and the positively charged alpha particle causes the alpha particle to accelerate away from the nucleus.

Just After an Alpha Particle Leaves the Nucleus,would You Expect