Question

Consider aiming a beam of free electrons towards free protons. When they scatter, an electron and a proton cannot combine to produce a \(H\)-atom,

Answer 1

We can’t produce a \(H\)-atom by combining electron and proton because binding energy of \(H\)-atom is larger as compared to the energy of free electron. Large amount of energy is required so that electron can reach near the proton which is possible when nuclear force (attractive) acts between electron and proton which is only possible when energy is conserved. An electron and a proton can combine to produce a \(H\)-atom only if they simultaneously release energy in the form of radiation.

\(\text{Final Answer}:\) (a),(b)