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

6087 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

a solar cell of area 2m^2 has maximum a power output per unit area of 20W/m^2 . if four solar cells are used together at once, how much energy is release in 2 mins at max power output?


An electron is traveling at a velocity of 500m/s perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field. A force of magnitude 4.32 x10^(-16) N is acting on the electron, what is the magnetic flux density of the field?


Compare and contrast geostationary and low polar orbits.


A wire has length l, cross-sectional area a, resistivity p and resistance R. It is compressed to a third of its original length but its volume and resistivity are constant. Show its new resistance is R/9.


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