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A nucleus with mass number A is initially stationary and undergoes alpha decay, ejecting an alpha particle with speed v. What is the recoil speed of the daughter nucleus?
- 2v/(A-4)
- 2v/(A+4)
- 4v/(A-4)
- 4v/(A+4)
Correct answer: 4v/(A-4)
Solution
Initial momentum is zero, so 4*v = (A-4)*v_recoil, giving recoil speed v_recoil = 4v/(A-4).
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