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

6218 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is gravitational potential energy? Why is it negative?


An electron of mass 9.11x10^(-31) is fired from an electron gun at 7x10^6 m/s. What size object will the electron need to interact with in order to diffract?


Describe and explain the photoelectric effect in terms of photons interacting with the surface of a metal.


A 12V lamp, 36W is switched on for 1 hour. Find the energy supplied by the battery.


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