Question:
Are the nucleons fundamental particles, or do they consist of still smaller parts? One way to find out is to probe a nucleon just as Rutherford probed an atom. What should be the kinetic energy of an electron for it to be able to probe a nucleon? Assume the diameter of a nucleon to be approximately 10–15 m.
Solution:
λ = h/p and kinetic energy = potential energy
E = hc/ λ
Kinetic energy of an electron
KE = PE = hc/ λ = 109 eV