Question

In the Rutherford scattering experiment, 4.00-MeV alpha particles scatter off gold nuclei (containing 79 protons and 118 neutrons). Assume a particular alpha particle moves directly toward the gold nucleus and scatters backward at 180^∘, and that the gold nucleus remains fixed throughout the entire process. Determine (a) the distance of closest approach of the alpha particle to the gold nucleus and (b) the maximum force exerted on the alpha