In an experiment, alpha particles of initial kinetic energy 5.9 MeV are directed at stationary nuclei of lead-207. The distance of closest approach is about:
4×10−14m
The radius of a nucleus of 82207Pb is 7.1×10−15m. Suggest why there will be no deviations from Rutherford scattering in the experiment described above.
The closest approach is «significantly» larger than the radius of the nucleus / far away from the nucleus/OWTTE.
«Therefore» the strong nuclear force will not act on the alpha particle.