Chapter 6, Problem 17STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether the first statement and second statement is correct or not also, if the second statement is the correct explanation for the first statement or not needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Rutherford conducted scattering experiment of alpha particles. When a beam of alpha particle is allowed to pass through a gold foil, some particles were seen to deflect back. Rutherford concluded that the atoms with positive charge are located centrally in the nucleus and the electrons in the atoms are binded by attractive forces.

Answer to Problem 17STP

Both the first and second statements are true and the second statement is the correct explanation of the first statement.

Explanation of Solution

The first statement is given that Some particles bounce off the gold foil. Rutherford from this experiment concluded that when a beam of alpha particles is passed through a gold foil, while some particles passed through it, some deflected back. Hence, the statement is true.

The second statement states that they hit protons in the nucleus. The alpha particles contain protons and neutrons and they tend to repel when they approach the nucleus with the positive charge. Hence, this statement is correct explanation for the first statement.

Conclusion

From the Rutherford explanation it can be concluded that both the first and second statements are true and the second statement is the correct explanation of the first statement.