Probing Deep Into Matter

Question 1

Conclusions from Rutherford scattering

Answer 1

Summary: most of mass and positive charge must be in tiny central nucleus

1) most alpha particles went straight through so atom is mainly empty space
2) some deflected through large angles so centre must have large positive charge to repel the,
3) very few scattered more than 90 degrees so nucleus must be tiny
4) most of the mass must be in the nucleus

Question 2

How did Rutherford scattering work?

Answer 2

Stream of alpha particles fired at very thin gold foil

Angle of scattering recorded