Classical Mechanics (Kibble & Berkshire) · Problem 10.15

The angular momentum principle — T.W.B. Kibble, F.H. Berkshire

Physics — Mechanics · collisions

Problem

In an elastic collision between a proton moving with speed

u

and a helium nucleus at rest, the proton was scattered through an angle of

45^\circ

. What proportion of its initial kinetic energy did it lose? What was the recoil angle of the helium nucleus?