Question

In the $\alpha -$particle scattering experiment, the foil should made of a metal having,

• A. high atomic number
• B. small atomic number
• C. any metal will do, irrespective of its atomic number
• D. none of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A high atomic number

The impact factor is given by,

$b=\frac{KZ{e}^2}{K.E}\sqrt{\frac{1+\cos \theta }{1-\cos \theta }}$

Here, the distance $b$, is in fermi.

In order to have an observable and large value of $b$, $Z$ i.e. atomic number of the element of the foil should be large.

Hence, $\left(A\right)$ is the correct answer.