CAIE IGCSE Physics 5.1.1.3 Alpha Particle Scattering By Thin Questions
Learn how scattering observations reveal a tiny, massive, positively charged nucleus.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Physics 0625
Exam points
- describe the observations of Rutherford alpha-particle scattering by thin metal foil
- deduce the nuclear model from particles passing through, deflecting and bouncing back
- explain why alpha particles are suitable probes and how charge repulsion causes deflection
CAIE IGCSE Physics 5.1.1.3 Alpha Particle Scattering By Thin Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 5]
Question (a)
(a)
An experiment directs alpha particles at a very thin sheet of gold foil.
Question (i)
(i)
Most of the alpha particles pass through the thin foil in a straight line.
State the conclusion about atoms from this observation.
most of the atom is empty space
Question (ii)
(ii)
Some of the alpha particles are deflected through angles less than 90∘ and a few are deflected through 180∘.
State and explain two conclusions about the nuclei of atoms from this observation.
conclusion 1
explanation 1
conclusion 2
explanation 2
any two from:
1 the nucleus is very small
2 mass of gold nucleus is much greater than mass of alpha particle
3 the nucleus is positively charged
corresponding explanation to conclusion:
1 not many alpha particles pass close to the nucleus / owtte
2 large force between alpha and nucleus (has bigger effect on small mass of alpha)
3 alpha particles are positively charged, AND force is repulsive
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