E.1.1—Rutherford experiment Topic Practice
E.1.1—Rutherford experiment Topic Practice
Interpret Rutherford scattering data to justify the nuclear model by linking observed alpha-particle paths to charge and mass distribution.
How this is tested
- state observations from the data table or description: most alpha particles pass through, a few deflect or rebound
- use those observations to infer a small, dense, positively charged nucleus and mostly empty atomic space
- decide which atomic claim is falsified, such as positive charge spread through the whole atom