Explain Rutherford's alpha particle scattering experiment and what it provided evidence for

The experiment involved firing alpha particles at thin gold foil, where the number of alpha particles scattered at various angles were counted using a detector. This provided evidence for the existence, charge and small size of the nucleus.The fact that most alpha particles passed straight through unscattered suggested that the atom is mostly empty space. The fact that some were scattered through large angles > 90 degrees suggested that the nucleus has positive charge concentrated in a tiny central nucleus. This is because alpha particles have a +2 (positive) charge, and like charges repel.

CF
Answered by Caitlin F. Physics tutor

20232 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A spacecraft called Deep Space 1, mass 486 kg, uses an “ion-drive” engine which expels 0.13 kg of xenon propellant each day at 30kms^-1. What is the initial increase in speed of the spacecraft


How can we derive the 'suvat' equations of motion v=u+at and s=(u+v)t/2


What does a stress-strain curve for a metal look like and what does each part mean?


I have an infinite number of glass blocks stacked side by side. The first block has refractive index n1, the second n2 and so on, such that n1<n2...<n(infinity). I shine a light on the stack, what angle does the ray make to the normal on the last block?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning