In the Rutherford Gold Foil Experiment, why did Rutherford expect the alpha particles to pass directly through the foil, experiencing at most, minor deflections in their path? I understand his hypothesis was based on the plum pudding model which is described as small electrons being embedded in a spherical cloud of positive matter. Knowing this, why would Rutherford use alpha particles? Aren't alpha particles positively charged which would then be expected to repel from the 'positive matter' in the gold foil. So, why would he hypothesize that a positive material would pass through another positive material, despite alpha particles being more massive? I understand why Rutherford attained the results he did but not why he hypothesized the results he did.
Atomic Structure
The basic structure of an atom is defined as the component-level of atomic structure of an atom. Precisely speaking an atom consists of three major subatomic particles which are protons, neutrons, and electrons. Many theories have been stated for explaining the structure of an atom.
Shape of the D Orbital
Shapes of orbitals are an approximate representation of boundaries in space for finding electrons occupied in that respective orbital. D orbitals are known to have a clover leaf shape or dumbbell inside where electrons can be found.
In the Rutherford Gold Foil Experiment, why did Rutherford expect the alpha particles to pass directly through the foil, experiencing at most, minor deflections in their path?
I understand his hypothesis was based on the plum pudding model which is described as small electrons being embedded in a spherical cloud of positive matter.
Knowing this, why would Rutherford use alpha particles? Aren't alpha particles positively charged which would then be expected to repel from the 'positive matter' in the gold foil. So, why would he hypothesize that a positive material would pass through another positive material, despite alpha particles being more massive?
- I understand why Rutherford attained the results he did but not why he hypothesized the results he did.
Trending now
This is a popular solution!
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps
