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In Rutherford scattering experiment, what will be the correct angle for α-scattering for an impact parameter, b=0?

Asked in CBSE AIPMT 1994 · Rutherford's model and its limits

• (1) 90°
• (2) 270°
• (3) 0°
• (4) 180°

Step-by-step solution

Why the other options are wrong

• (1) 90° is θ/2, not θ: setting cot(θ/2)=0 gives θ/2=90°, and the question asks for θ itself.
• (2) 270° lies outside the range of a scattering angle, which runs only from 0° to 180°.
• (3) 0° is the large-b limit, where the particle passes far from the nucleus and carries straight on; b=0 is the opposite extreme.

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