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

5622 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A cricketer throws a ball vertically upwards so that the ball leaves his hands at a speed of 25 m/s. Calculate the maximum height reached by the ball, the time taken to reach max. height, and the speed of the ball when it is at 50% max. height.


What are the main differences between magnetic and electric fields?


What is the stress in a cylindrical rod of 10.0cm diameter when loaded by 50.0N force at each end?


What is Newton's Third Law and what is an example of it?


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