Question

When $\alpha$-particles are passed through a thin metal foil, most of them go straight through the foil because:

• A. $\alpha$-particles are much heavier than electrons
• B. $\alpha$-particles are positively charged
• C. most of the atom is empty
• D. $\alpha$-particles move with a high velocity

Answer 1

The correct option is C most of the atom is empty

As most of the mass of an atom is present in the nucleus and since the volume the of nucleus is very small (only a minute fraction of the total volume of the atom) when compared to the volume of the atom. So, most of the $\alpha$-particles pass through the atom without any deviation.