Question

When a stream of alpha particles is sent through a thin metal foil, most of the particles penetrate the foil, because.

• A. Alpha particles are very penetrating
• B. Alpha particles are positively charged
• C. Alpha particles move with very high velocity
• D. The bulk of the atom consists of empty space

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

The bulk of the atom consists of empty space

$\begin{array}{c}\text{The atom is mostly}\text{empty. The radius}\\ \text{of atom is very very}\text{large as compared to}\\ \text{its nucleus which is}\text{confined to a small}\\ \text{space. So in a stream}\end{array}$

$\begin{array}{c}\text{of alpha particles}\text{directed towards a}\\ \text{gold foil, so most of}\text{the prarticles will pass}\\ \text{through.}\end{array}$