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.

Answered by Harry M. Physics tutor

5488 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Determine an approximate value for the acceleration of free fall using a tennis ball, metre ruler and a stopwatch.


If a stationary observer sees a ship moving relativistically (near the speed of light), will it appear contracted or enlarged? And by how much.


a ball is dropped from rest off a cliff of height 50m, determine the final velocity of the ball assuming no air resistance.


Hydrogen has a single proton and a single electron. Find the electric potential at a distance of 0.50 * 10^(-10) (m) from the proton.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences