Atomic Models & Alpha-Particle Scattering
In Rutherford's alpha-particle scattering experiment, only a few alpha particles rebound back because
A. The size of gold nucleus is very small as compared to the size of gold atom.
B. Alpha particle and gold nucleus have equal charge.
C. The impact parameter is minimum for a few alpha particles.
D. A few alpha particles have very high kinetic energy.
E. Only a few alpha particles undergo head-on collision with the nuclei.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Show answer and solution
Answer: (d)
- A: true, the nucleus is tiny compared with the atom, so very few particles come close to it.
- B: false, has charge while gold nucleus has .
- C: true, only particles with nearly zero impact parameter turn back.
- D: false, all -particles in the beam have about the same energy.
- E: true, rebound needs a nearly head-on collision, which is rare.
- So the answer is (d) A, C, E only.