Heavy nuclei often undergo alpha decay in which they emit an alpha particle (i.e., a helium nucleus). Alpha particles are so tightly bound together that it’s reasonable to think of an alpha particle as a single unit within the nucleus from which it is emitted.
a. A ²³⁸U nucleus, which decays by alpha emission, is 15 fm in diameter. Model an alpha particle within a ²³⁸U nucleus as being in a one-dimensional box. What is the maximum speed an alpha particle is likely to have?
b. The probability that a nucleus will undergo alpha decay is proportional to the frequency with which the alpha particle reflects from the walls of the nucleus. What is that frequency (reflections/s) for a maximum-speed alpha particle within a ²³⁸U nucleus?