Answer
See explanation below...
Work Step by Step
In the Rutherford scattering experiment, the minimum distance of approach for the alpha particle is given by Eq. 29.1. The minimum distance of approach must be bigger than the nucleus radius. If the alpha particles got closer than the nucleus radius, the strong nuclear force would overwhelm it and the scattering would have a different pattern since there would be other forces than the Coloumb Force.
