Chapter 4.2, Problem 15LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : Rutherford’s model of the atom differs from Thomson’s to be compared and contrasted.

Concept Introduction : Thomson gave an atomic model known as the plum-pudding model while Rutherford gave an atomic model known as Rutherford’s atomic model.

Answer to Problem 15LC

In the Rutherford model, protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus while the electrons are scattered around. But in the Thomson model, the electrons are struck into the positive charge. This was a major difference between Rutherford and Thomson’s models.

Explanation of Solution

Thomson believed that an atom that was uniformly filled with positively charged substances had its electrons dispersed evenly throughout.

Thomson called his model a plum-pudding model, in which the electrons were struck into a bulk of positive charge.

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

According to his theory, the majority of the atom is made up of space, which accounts for the alpha particles' lack of deflection.

The term "nuclear atom" refers to the Rutherford atomic model.

Protons and neutrons are found in the positively charged nucleus of the nuclear atom.

Nearly the whole volume of the atom is made up of electrons, which are scattered all around the nucleus.