Alpha Beta Gamma Particles

Question 1

Why did most alpha particles go straight through gold foil

Answer 1

Gold foil is mostly empty space

Question 2

Some alpha particles deflected, why?

Answer 2

• repelled by nucleus of ana atom of gold

* because an alpha particle and a nucleus both have same positive charge

Question 3

Only a small proportion of alpha particles deflected through a large angle. Why explanation did the cornrows suggest for the proportion being small?

Answer 3

• the nucleus is very small - compared to rest of the atom

* so chance of hitting is very small

Question 4

Some alpha particles were deflected less than others, why?

Answer 4

• these alpha particles were not so close to the nucleus

* these alpha particles were faster than those which were deflected more

Question 5

Why did the scientists remove all the air from the apparatus

Answer 5

• avoid absorption / loss of energy of alpha particles

* reduce chance of collisions between air molecules and alpha particles

Question 6

Why did Geiger and Muller’s experiment take place in a vacuum

Answer 6

So alpha parties won’t divert from oath by particle in air