8. IE ••• Assume Rutherford used alpha particles with a kinetic energy of 5.25 MeV.

(a) To which of the following nuclei would the alpha particle come closest in a head-on collision: (1) aluminum, (2) iron, or (3) lead?

(b) Determine the distance of closest approach for the three nuclei in part

(a) and compare them to the nuclear radii given in Exercise 29.7. Are any of these distances comparable to the radius of the target nucleus?