Question

Rutherford’s α–particle scattering experiment showed that:

• A. electrons have a negative charge
• B. the mass and positive charge of the atom is concentrated in the nucleus
• C. neutron exists in the nucleus
• D. most of the space in atom is empty

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (D)

The correct options are
B the mass and positive charge of the atom is concentrated in the nucleus
D most of the space in atom is empty

The result of the experiment showed that around 1 in 8000 alpha particles were deflected by very large angles (over 90°), while the rest passed through with little deflection. From this, Rutherford concluded that the majority of the mass of any atom is concentrated in a minute, positively-charged region (the nucleus/ central charge) surrounded by electrons. When a (positive) alpha particle is approached sufficiently close to the nucleus, it is repelled strongly enough to rebound at high angles.