(a) Which metal did Rutherford select for his α particle scattering experiment and why?
(b) What do you think would be the observation of α− particle scattering experiment if carried out on
(i) heavy nucleus like platinum
(ii) light nuclei like lithium.
(a) Which metal did Rutherford select for his α particle scattering experiment and why?
(b) What do you think would be the observation of α− particle scattering experiment if carried out on
(i) heavy nucleus like platinum
(ii) light nuclei like lithium.
(a) Gold is the most malleable metal. It can be drawn into very thin sheets which are required for Rutherford's experiment.
Gold is a heavy metal with a high mass number. A light metal cannot be used because on being hit by fast-moving α - particle, the atom of light metal will be simply pushed forward and no scattering can occur.
Moreover, gold is the best malleable metal. A very thin foil (=1000 atoms thick) can be made from gold to get the clear observations.
(b) (i) If heavy metal like Platinum is used then the observation would be the same as like gold foil experiment, as gold, silver and platinum belong to the same group.
(ii) If light metal like lithium is used then the heavier α particles will push the nucleus and they are not deflected back.
(a) Gold is the most malleable metal. It can be drawn into very thin sheets which are required for Rutherford's experiment.
Gold is a heavy metal with a high mass number. A light metal cannot be used because on being hit by fast-moving α - particle, the atom of light metal will be simply pushed forward and no scattering can occur.
Moreover, gold is the best malleable metal. A very thin foil (=1000 atoms thick) can be made from gold to get the clear observations.
(b) (i) If heavy metal like Platinum is used then the observation would be the same as like gold foil experiment, as gold, silver and platinum belong to the same group.
(ii) If light metal like lithium is used then the heavier α particles will push the nucleus and they are not deflected back.
