Question

Rutherford's alpha particle scattering experiment established that:

• A. Protons are not evenly distributed throughout an atom
• B. Electrons have a negative charge
• C. Electrons have a positive charge
• D. Atoms are made of protons, neutrons, and electrons

Answer 1

The correct option is A Protons are not evenly distributed throughout an atom

Most of the $\alpha$-particle passed through the foil straight without suffering any change in their directiom. This shows that most of the space inside the atom is empty or hollow.

A small fraction of $\alpha$-particles was deflected through small angles and a few through larger angles. For this to happen $\alpha$-particles (positively charged) must approach a heavy positively charged core inside the atom (like charges repel each other). This heavy positively charged core inside the atom was named as the nucleus.

Hence, it concluded that protons are not distributed throughout an atom.

Therefore, option A is correct.