Question

In Rutherford's $\alpha -$ particle scattering experiment, what will be the angle of scattering for an impact parameter $b=0$?

• A. $0^{\circ }$
• B. ${90}^{\circ }$
• C. ${180}^{\circ }$
• D. ${360}^{\circ }$

Answer 1

The correct option is C ${180}^{\circ }$

The impact parameter $b$ is the lateral position of an approaching $\alpha -$particle, w. r. t. the position of the nucleus of the obstructing atom, as shown below.


Clearly, for $b=0$, $\theta ={180}^{\circ }$

Hence, $\left(C\right)$ is the correct answer.