Question

A proton and an alpha particle having equal velocities approach a target nucleus. They come momentarily to rest and then reverse their directions. The ratio of the distance of closest approach of the proton to that of the alpha particle will be :

Assertion (A) : An alpha particle is moving towards a gold nucleus. The impact parameter is maximum for the scattering angle of 180°. Reason (R) : The impact parameter in an alpha particle scattering experiment does not depend upon the atomic number of the target nucleus.