Maximum Scattering Angle in an Elastic Collision

Question

A neutron of mass $m$, initially moving with velocity $v_0$, undergoes an elastic collision with a stationary carbon nucleus of mass $12m$. What is the maximum possible scattering angle of the neutron relative to its initial direction of motion?

Accepted Answer

$$\sin^{-1}\left(\frac{12}{13}\right)$$

Answer

An angle of 45 degrees

Answer

Scattering cannot exceed 60 degrees

Answer

$$\sin^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{13}\right)$$

Maximum Scattering Angle in an Elastic Collision

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