Rutherford Scattering (AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy) : Revision Note

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Rutherford Scattering

Alpha Scattering

  • In 1909 a group of scientists were investigating the Plum Pudding model

    • Physicist, Ernest Rutherford was instructing two of his students, Hans Geiger and Ernest Marsden to carry out the experiment

  • They were directing a beam of alpha particles (He2+ ions) at a thin gold foil

  • They expected the alpha particles to travel through the gold foil, and maybe change direction a small amount

  • Instead, they discovered that :

    • Most of the alpha particles passed straight through the foil

    • Some of the alpha particles changed direction but continued through the foil

    • A few of the alpha particles bounced back off the gold foil

  • The bouncing back could not be explained by the Plum Pudding model, so a new model had to be created

rutherford-scattering, IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

When alpha particles are fired at thin gold foil, most of them go straight through, some are deflected and a very small number bounce straight back

The Nuclear Model

  • Ernest Rutherford made different conclusions from the findings of the experiment

  • The table below describes the findings and conclusions of A, B and C from the image above:

Alpha Scattering Findings and Conclusions Table

Rutherford conclusions, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes
  • Rutherford proposed the nuclear model of the atom

  • In the nuclear model:

    • Nearly all of the mass of the atom is concentrated in the centre of the atom (in the nucleus)

    • The nucleus is positively charged

    • Negatively charged electrons orbit the nucleus at a distance

  • Rutherford’s nuclear model replaced the Plum Pudding model

    • The nuclear model could explain experimental observations better than the Plum Pudding model

Nuclear model, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

The Nuclear model replaced the Plum Pudding model as it could better explain the observations of Rutherford’s Scattering Experiment

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Ashika

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Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.

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