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

21155 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you use a Variable Resistor to determine values to show the relationship between I and V?


Given the rate of thermal energy transfer is 2.7kW, the volume of the water tank is 4.5m^3, the water is at a temperature of 28oC, density of water is 1000kgm-3 & c=4200Jkg-1K-1. Calculate the rise in water temperature that the heater could produce in 1hr


Why is it important that the baryon and lepton numbers of an interaction are conserved?


Explain, using appropriate laws of motion, why the air exerts a force on the engine in the forward direction.


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