Chapter 4.2, Problem 13LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : Rutherford’s expected outcome of the gold-foil experiment with the actual outcome is to be compared and contrasted.

Concept Introduction : Rutherford performed a gold foil experiment to test the atomic structure plum-pudding model. The plum-pudding model of atomic structure was described by Thomson who discovered electrons.

Answer to Problem 13LC

When alpha particles passed through the gold foil, some particles were bounced off at large angles and lacks in deflection. This is due to the tiny core of an atom called the nucleus. Due to this reason, the actual outcome of Rutherford’s gold-foil experiment differed from his expected outcomes.

Explanation of Solution

To describe the structure of atoms, Rutherford performed a gold foil experiment.

He overcame the failures that occurred in a plum-pudding model of atomic structure.

A new atomic theory was proposed by Rutherford depending on his experimental results.

In accordance with Rutherford’s predictions, only a tiny deflection caused by the positive charge is believed to be dispersed throughout the gold atoms when the alpha particles go through the gold

According to experimental results, the majority of alpha particles either passed right through the gold foil or only minimally deflected it. The fact that a small percentage of the alpha particles bounced off the gold foil at extremely enormous angles, on the other hand, was unexpected. Some even returned directly in the direction of the source.

The positive charges and almost all of the mass are concentrated in a tiny area with enough positive charge to explain the significant alpha particle deflection.

He referred to it as the nucleus.