Chapter 28.1, Problem 9SSC

To determine

The structure of the atom according to Rutherford’s nuclear model.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

An atom is a basic unit of matter. It contains 3 main sub-atomic particles- electron, proton and neutron. Protons and neutrons can be found in the nucleus while electrons revolve around it. Rutherford performed gold-foil experiment to describe the structure of an atom.

Rutherford’s model described that the core of the atom is highly dense and positively charged. He called it nucleus. The electrons which are negatively charged particles, revolve around this core. Most of the space in an atom is empty. The nucleus is very heavy but tiny in size.

Conclusion:

According to Rutherford’s model, an atom has positively charged dense core called nucleus around which electrons revolve.