Question

In Rutherford’s experiment, generally the thin foil of heavy atoms, like gold, platinum etc. have been used to be bombarded by the α-particles. If the thin foil of light atoms like Aluminium etc. is used, what difference would be observed from the above results?

Answer 1

A thin foil of lighter atoms will not give the same results as given with the foil of heavier atoms. Lighter atoms would be able to carry very little positive charge. Hence, they will not cause enough deflection of α-particles (positively charged).