large radioactive atoms often decay by alpha particle emission. the alpha particle is emitted at a speed of 1.5 * 10^4 km/s. given that an alpha particle is a helium-4 nucleus, what is the kinetic energy of the emitted alpha particle?
speed = 1.5 x 10^4 km / sec
= 1.5 x 10^7 m / sec
mass of alpha particle = 6.644 x 10-27 kg
kinetic energy = 1/2 * m * v^2
= 1/2 * 6.644 x 10-27 x (1.5 x 10^7)^2
= 7.5 x 10^-13 J
kinetic energy = 7.5 x 10^-13 J
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