Chapter 27, Problem 1RQ

To determine

The idea for composition of atom using Rutherford’s experiment.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Rutherford experiment led to an idea that the nucleus of the atom is composed of massive positively charged particles surrounded by electrons.

Explanation of Solution

Rutherford experiment shows that maximum alpha particles are scattered with small angle of deviation, some scattering in large angles, and very few are reflected back towards the source from the target when energetic positively charged alpha particles is thrown towards the thin gold foil.

Rutherford explains this incident in a way that the small volume of the target atom is occupied by the positively charged nucleus and the negatively charged electrons occupies rest of the volume of the target.

This led to an idea that the nucleus of the atom is composed of massive positively charged particles surrounded by electrons.

Conclusion:

Therefore, Rutherford experiment led to an idea that the nucleus of the atom is composed of massive positively charged particles surrounded by electrons.