Chapter 4, Problem 16ALQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

How would Rutherford’s model of atom be different, if Rutherford had not known about the Thomson’s work, should be discussed.

Concept Introduction:

First part of Dalton’s Atomic theory states that all matters are made of atoms, which are indivisible. Thomson’s model states that atoms are uniform spheres of positively charged matter in which electrons are embedded, i.e. the plum pudding model. Rutherford’s Atomic model explains an atom with dense center of positive charge (the nucleus) around which tiny electrons moved in a space that was otherwise empty.

Rutherford designed an experiment that involves directing a particles toward a thin metal foil. Surrounding the foil was a detector coated with a substance that produce tiny flashes wherever it was hit by an a particle.