alpha-scattering and the nuclear model

• What experiment is used to work out the nuclear model of atomic structure?

  The alpha scattering experiment
• What did ancient Greeks believe about atoms?

  Atoms are tiny spheres that can't be divided
• Why was the discovery of electrons significant?

  It showed atoms have an internal structure
• What model did scientists propose after discovering electrons?

  The plum pudding model
• What does the plum pudding model suggest about an atom?

  An atom is a ball of positive charge
• What did scientists use to test the plum pudding model?

  The alpha scattering experiment
• Why did scientists choose gold foil for the experiment?

  Gold can be hammered into thin foil
• What are alpha particles?

  They are positively charged particles
• What did the results of the alpha scattering experiment indicate about atoms?

  Atoms are mainly empty space
• What does deflection of alpha particles suggest about the atom's center?

  The center has a positive charge
• What does bouncing back of alpha particles indicate about atomic mass?

  Mass is concentrated in the nucleus
• What is the central part of an atom called?

  The nucleus
• What happens when an alpha particle collides with the nucleus?

  It bounces back in the original direction
• What model replaced the plum pudding model?

  The nuclear model
• What did Niels Bohr propose about electrons?

  Electrons orbit the nucleus at specific distances
• What are the orbits of electrons called?

  Energy levels or shells
• What particles were discovered in the nucleus later on?

  Protons and neutrons
• What is the charge of neutrons?

  Neutrons have no charge
• Who discovered neutrons?

  James Chadwick
• What are the key components of the nuclear model of atomic structure?

  • Nucleus at the center
  • Contains protons and neutrons
  • Electrons orbiting in energy levels
  • Atoms are mainly empty space
• What were the implications of the alpha scattering experiment results?

  • Atoms are mostly empty space
  • Positive charge is concentrated in the nucleus
  • Mass of the atom is in the nucleus
• What is the historical progression of atomic models discussed?

  1. Ancient Greeks: indivisible atoms
  2. Discovery of electrons: plum pudding model
  3. Alpha scattering experiment: nuclear model
  4. Niels Bohr: electron energy levels
  5. Discovery of protons and neutrons