Chapter 4.2, Problem 10LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The Rutherford model describes the structure of atoms to be explained.

Concept Introduction : Rutherford performed a gold foil experiment to test the atomic structure plum-pudding model. The plum-pudding model of atomic structure was described by Thomson who discovered electrons.

Answer to Problem 10LC

According to Rutherford’s model, the nucleus is the tiny inner core of an atom that is made up of protons and neutrons.

Explanation of Solution

To describe the structure of atoms, Rutherford performed a gold foil experiment.

He overcame the failures that occurred in a plum-pudding model of atomic structure.

A new atomic theory was proposed by Rutherford depending on his experimental results.

According to his theory,

• Most of the atom is made up of space, which accounts for the alpha particles' lack of deflection.
• The positive charges and almost all the mass are concentrated in a tiny area with enough positive charge to explain the significant alpha particle deflection.
• He referred to it as the nucleus.
• The tiny, inner core of an atom known as the nucleus is made up of protons and neutrons.
• The term "nuclear atom" refers to the Rutherford atomic model.
• Protons and neutrons are found in the positively charged nucleus of the nuclear atom.
• Nearly the whole volume of the atom is made up of electrons, which are scattered all around the nucleus.
• This hypothesis states that the nucleus of an atom is very small and tightly packed.