Chapter 4, Problem 93A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: 

Difference between the results expected and results observed in Rutherford’s gold foil experiment are to be determined.

Concept introduction: 

In the gold foil experiment, Rutherford detected that alpha ray is deflected from its path, this result is totally changing the myth of the previous experiment result.

Answer to Problem 93A

Rutherford’s experiment gives a new outcome which is different from the expected result.

Explanation of Solution

In the Rutherford experiment set as to where the alpha ray strike over the sheet of gold, the gold sheet is covered by around zinc sulfide (ZnS) screen. When the alpha particle passes through this sheet in the form of a straight beam of alpha, some ray deviates from its path and some are deflected at a high angle. The most shocking was that some rays come back from where it is generated.

The resultant of this experiment is completely different from the awaited result. Where the alpha particle should be passed in the straight line but they are diverted from its path.

Conclusion

That experiment ends up with a new result, where the property and nature of subatomic particles were determined.