What led to the Plum Pudding model being replaced by Rutherford's nuclear model of the atom? (6 marks)

The Plum Pudding model states that charge and mass is spread throughout the atom. An idea that electrons are spread within a mass of positive charge.Rutherford carried out an experiment where he fired high energy alpha particles at gold foil and observed the scattering of the particles. Most alpha particles fired went straight through suggesting than an atom is mainly empty space. Some positively charged alpha particles were deflected through large angles by the positive charge, concentrated at the nucleus. A few alpha particles were reflected straight back by the dense positive nucleus. Hence, disproving the Plum Pudding model.

RP
Answered by Rachna P. Physics tutor

22923 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the difference between a battery and a cell


State one property that all EM waves have in common.


Compare the wavelength, frequency and speed of an emitted and reflected microwave


A lamp has a rating of 18V 9W. How much energy is transferred to the bulb in 5 minutes? Calculate the current through it when connected to a 18V supply.


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