Repulsive deflection in Rutherford scattering

Steps:

• Alpha particles, being positively charged, experience repulsive Coulomb force from the gold nucleus.
• With identical kinetic energy, deflection angle depends on impact parameter: smaller b yields larger θ.
• Paths are hyperbolic trajectories bending away from the nucleus.
• Correct diagram shows two paths with different curvatures, both deflecting outward without crossing.

Why D is correct:

• It depicts two hyperbolic paths with varying deflection angles, consistent with Rutherford's formula for scattering: cot(θ/2) = (4πε₀ E b)/ (Z₁ Z₂ e²), where larger b means smaller θ.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Shows attraction-like inward curves, violating repulsion.
• B: Displays symmetric identical paths, ignoring impact parameter differences.
• C: Illustrates one straight path and one looping back, defying energy conservation.

Final answer: D