AQA A Level Physics

Revision Notes

8.1.1 Rutherford Scattering

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Rutherford Scattering

  • Evidence for the structure of the atom was discovered by Ernest Rutherford in the beginning of the 20th century from the study of α-particle scattering
  • The experimental setup consists of alpha particles fired at thin gold foil and a detector on the other side to detect how many particles deflected at different angles

Alpha particle experiment diagram, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

α-particle scattering experiment set up

  • α-particles are the nucleus of a helium atom and are positively charged

Alpha particle scattering, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

When α-particles are fired at thin gold foil, most of them go straight through but a small number bounce straight back

  • From this experiment, Rutherford results were:
  • The majority of α-particles went straight through (A)
    • This suggested the atom is mainly empty space

  • Some α-particles deflected through small angles of < 10o (B)
    • This suggested there is a positive nucleus at the centre (since two positive charges would repel)

  • Only a small number of α-particles deflected straight back at angles of > 90o (C)
    • This suggested the nucleus is extremely small and this is where the mass and charge of the atom is concentrated
    • It was therefore concluded that atoms consist of small dense positively charged nuclei

 

  • Since atoms were known to be neutral, the negative electrons were thought to be on a positive sphere of charge (plum pudding model) before the nucleus was theorised
  • Now it is known that the negative electrons are orbiting the nucleus. Collectively, these make up the atom

Atomic Structure, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

An atom: a small positive nucleus, surrounded by negative electrons

  • Note: The atom is around 100,000 times larger than the nucleus!

Worked example

In an α-particle scattering experiment, a student set up the apparatus below to determine the number n of α-particle incident per unit time on a detector held at various angles θ.WE - Rutherford scattering question image 1, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notesWhich of the following graphs best represents the variation of n with θ from 0 to 90°?WE - Rutherford scattering question image 2, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

     ANSWER:   A

  • The Rutherford scattering experiment directed parallel beams of α-particles at gold foil
  • The observations were:
    • Most of the α-particles went straight through the foil
    • The largest value of n will therefore be at small angles
    • Some of the α-particles were deflected through small angles
    • n drops quickly with increasing angle of deflection θ

  • These observations fit with graph A

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.