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

6890 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A projectile is fired out of a cannon at 50 km/s, at an angle of 30 degrees and an elevation of 10m from the ground. How long does it take for the projectile to hit the ground?


Why does a single slit diffraction pattern occur?


Discuss how the graph of orbital velocities in rotational galaxies against distance from the galactic centre implies the existence of dark matter.


What is resistivity?


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