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

17581 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Give a brief description of the Big Bang and describe its link to cosmic microwave background radiation.


What is the period and frequency of a wave? - GCSE or A-Level students may ask this


Convection, conduction and radiation in space


Define the terms "acceleration" and "displacement". Explain simple harmonic motion with reference to both of these quantities.


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