Multiple Choice
In the Rutherford gold foil experiment, how did scientists conclude that most of an atom is empty space?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Rutherford Gold Foil Experiment
Multiple Choice
Which conclusion was a direct result of the Rutherford gold foil experiment?
A
Atoms are indivisible and solid spheres.
B
Electrons are arranged in fixed orbits around the nucleus.
C
Atoms have a small, dense, positively charged nucleus.
D
Protons and neutrons are evenly distributed throughout the atom.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the main goal of the Rutherford gold foil experiment, which was to investigate the structure of the atom by observing how alpha particles scatter when directed at a thin gold foil.
Understand that before Rutherford's experiment, the prevailing atomic model was the 'plum pudding model,' which suggested that positive charge was spread out evenly throughout the atom with electrons embedded within it.
Analyze the key observation from the experiment: most alpha particles passed straight through the foil, but a small fraction were deflected at large angles, and some even bounced back.
Interpret these observations to conclude that the atom must have a small, dense, positively charged center (nucleus) that repels the positively charged alpha particles, causing the deflections.
Recognize that this conclusion disproved the idea of atoms being indivisible solid spheres and led to the nuclear model of the atom, where electrons orbit this dense nucleus.
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