Question

An alpha particle colliding with one of the electrons in a gold atom loses

• A. Most of its momentum
• B. About $\frac{1}{3}rd$ of its momentum
• C. Little of its energy
• D. Most of its energy

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The mass of an electron is hundred of times lesser than the mass of an alpha particle. Hence the alpha particles does not transfer much of its energy on collision with the electron.