Question

Could aluminium foil serve the purpose in $\alpha$ - ray scattering experiment. Explain the reason behind it.

Answer 1

Atomic mass of Al is very low. In $\alpha$ ray scattering experiment when $\alpha -$rays were passed it should be deflected but if Al sheet was used $\alpha$ particle could push the nucleus and may not deflect back. This is because of the low atomic mass of Al.

Thus, Aluminium foil cannot be used in $\alpha$ ray scattering experiment.