Question

Rutherford's experiment on scattering of $\alpha$-particles showed for the first time that the atom has

• A. Electrons
• B. Protons
• C. Nucleus
• D. Neutrons

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Nucleus

Do you remember Rutherford's α-scattering experiment?

Rutherford, on the basis of his observation, drew the following conclusions regarding the structure of atom:

(a) Since most of the $\alpha$-particles passed through the foil undeflected, it indicates that most of the space in the atom is empty.

(b) A few positively charged $\alpha$-particles were defected. The deflection must be due to an enormous repulsive force. This shows that the atom is not spread throughout the atom is Thomson had presumed. The positive charge is concentrated in a very small volume, which repelled and deflected the positively charged $\alpha$-particles. Rutherford named this positive centre as nucleus.

(c) Rutherford calculated that the volume occupied by the nucleus is negligibly small as compared to the total volume of the atom. The radius of the atom is about ${10}^{-10}$ m, while that of nucleus is ${10}^{-10}$ m.

Rutherford, on the basis of his observations and conclusions, proposed the nuclear model of atom.

$\Rightarrow$ It was the first time, the nucleus of atom was explained.