Answer to Question #65292 in Electric Circuits for Helen

Question

An alpha particle (mass of 6.64 × 10−27 kg, charge of +2e - or twice the fundamental
unit of charge) is shot with an initial velocity of 2.00×107 m/s directly at a gold nucleus
(charge of +79e, and assumed to remain stationary so you will not need its mass). If
you assume that the alpha particle was initially very far from the gold nucleus, there
is no potential energy associated with the alpha particle - gold nucleus system. If the
alpha particle is fired directly at the gold nucleus, it will get close to the gold nucleus
before being repelled. How close to the gold nucleus will the alpha particle get (note
that at its closest, the alpha particle will have v = 0 m/s)?3