Atomic Structure

Question 1

Describe qualitatively the alpha-particle scattering experiment and the evidence this provides for the existence, charge and small size of the nucleus

Answer 1

Fire alpha particles towards thin gold foil.
The number of alpha particles scattered at different angles were counted using a scintillator screen (a flash of light is produced).
Most alpha particles are not scattered much so the atom is mostly empty space.
Some were deflected >90’ so there must be a small dense positive nucleus.