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

21489 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why do atoms larger than iron release energy when they undergo fission?


What is the difference between linearly, directly and inversely proportional relationships?


Describe how the average density of matter in the universe affects its ultimate fate?


What is wave-particle duality?


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