Dr Gulshan S. answered 05/09/21
PhD In Physics and experience of teaching IB Physics and Math High sc
Using KE = PE
KE of incident proton = PE of Mercury and proton
1/2 mv2 = K q1*q2/r
m = mass of proton = 1.67*10 -27 Kg
V= velocity of incident proton = 4* 107 m/s
q1 = Charge of incident proton = +e = 1.6*10-19 C
q2 = Charge of target Mercury nucleus= +80e = 80* 1.6*10-19 C
r= distance of closest approach = ?
K = 9*109 Nm2 /C2
Gives ( Plug in values)
r = 2Kq1*q/ (m V2 ) = 1.38 *10-14 m = 13.8 fm = Distance from the center of Hg Nucleus , when proton reaches closest to it