A nucleus moving with a velocity emits an α-particle. Let the velocities of the α-particle and the remaining nucleus be and , and their masses be m 1 and m 2 .

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Since, no external force is present, so centre of mass will follow the same path. Hence, velocity of centre of mass even after separation is . So, linear momentum of centre of mass is (m₁+m₂).

By, conservation of linear momentum,

(m₁+m₂)

So, these two vectors are parallel, hence option D is correct.

A nucleus moving with a velocity emits an α-particle. Let the velocities of the α-particle and the remaining nucleus be and , and their masses be m1 and m2.

A nucleus moving with a velocity emits an α-particle. Let the velocities of the α-particle and the remaining nucleus be and , and their masses be m₁ and m₂.