Question

$\alpha$-ray scattering experiment was carried out-

• A. To overcome the drawbacks of Rutherford's atomic model
• B. To prove the nucleus is present at the centre of the atom.
• C. To prove the correctness of J.J. Thomson's atomic model.
• D. To prove the existence of a positively charged particle in an atom.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

To prove the correctness of J.J. Thomson's atomic model.

The explanation for the correct option:

1. Initially, the structure of atoms was first given by J.J. Thompson, who said that an atom is like a plum pudding with negatively charged electrons embedded in the positively charged atom.
2. Then Rutherford performed the $\alpha$-ray scattering experiment to correct the shortness of J.J. Thomson's atomic model.
3. In this experiment, Rutherford bombarded the gold foil with fast-moving $\alpha$-particles.
4. He concluded after this experiment that-

• Most of the space in an atom is empty.
• Positive charge occupies a small space at the centre of the atom. and this centre is called the nucleus of the atom.
• Electrons revolve around the nucleus in well-defined orbits.

5. Hence, $\alpha$-ray scattering experiment was carried out to prove the correctness of J.J. Thomson's atomic model.

The correct option is c).