Explain Rutherford's atomic model experiment

Rutherford had a sheet of gold foil just a few atoms thick, and surrounded it with detectors. He then fired alpha particles at the gold sheet, knowing that these were positively charged. Some of these were deflected from their paths, a very small number were reflected, but most passed straight through the foil. This told Rutherford that most of the atom must be empty space. He explained the deflections and reflections with a concentration of charge in the middle of the space of each atom. As so few were reflected and deflected compared to those that went straight through, the charge must be tiny compared to the atom. As it was repelling the positive alpha particles, it must also be positive. This was the nucleus.

HM
Answered by Harry M. Physics tutor

6822 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the photo-electric effect and what impact did it have on the development of Quantum Mechanics?


A railway car of mass m1 travelling at a velocity of v1 collides with a second car of mass m2 travelling at v2 and the two join together. What is their final velocity?


A ball is thrown vertically downwards at a speed of 10ms^-1 from a height of 10m. Upon hitting the floor 10% of the energy is dissipated through waste heat. What is the heighest point the ball reaches before it comes to rest? Take g=10ms^-2


A water jet starts at a point X and reaches its maximum height at a point Y. Air resistance has a negligible effect on the motion of the water jet. (i) State the direction of the force acting on the jet at Y. (1 mark)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning