Chapter 4, Problem 18STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To indicate whether Statement I and Statement II are true or false and whether statement-II is the correct explanation for statement-I.

Concept Introduction: Atom is the smallest unit of an element. It consists of three subatomic particles: protons, neutrons and electrons and empty space. A fast moving packet containing two protons and two neutrons is known as alpha particle.

Answer to Problem 18STP

Statement I is true, statement II is false. Also, statement II is not the correct explanation for statement I.

Explanation of Solution

Ernest Rutherford performed the gold foil experiment that determined the properties of the nucleus, charges, relative size and mass. A thin sheet of gold foil surrounded by zinc sulfide screen is aimed by alpha particles. Nucleus of an atom is smaller compared to the atom and the most of the alpha particles travel through the empty space. The nucleus of an atom is approximately ${10}^{-15}m$ in size and atom is approximately ${10}^{-10}m$ in size that means nucleus is some ${10}^{-5}m$ of the size of the whole atom.

Conclusion

Statement I is true, statement II is false. Also, statement II is not the correct explanation for statement I.