alpha scattering experiment

• What does the plum pudding model suggest about atoms?

  Atoms are a ball of positive charge
• What did the discovery of electrons indicate about atoms?

  Atoms have an internal structure
• In what year were electrons discovered?


  1897
• What experiment did scientists conduct to test the plum pudding model?

  Alpha scattering experiment
• Why is the alpha scattering experiment considered important?

  It changed the understanding of atomic structure
• What material was used in the alpha scattering experiment?

  Gold foil
• Why did scientists use gold for the foil?

  Gold can be hammered very thin
• What type of particles were fired at the gold foil?

  Alpha particles
• What charge do alpha particles have?

  Positive charge
• What did the observation that most alpha particles passed through the foil indicate?

  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 it mean if alpha particles bounce straight back from the foil?

  The center contains a great deal of mass
• What term is used for the center of an atom?

  Nucleus
• What does the nuclear model of the atom state?

  Most of the atom is empty space
• Where are the electrons located in the nuclear model?

  Around the edge of the atom
• What are the key differences between the plum pudding model and the nuclear model?

  • Plum pudding model:
  • Atoms are a positive charge ball with electrons embedded.
  • Nuclear model:
  • Atoms are mostly empty space with a positive nucleus.
• What conclusions did scientists draw from the alpha scattering experiment?

  1. Atoms are mainly empty space.
  2. The center has a positive charge.
  3. The center contains most of the atom's mass.