NEET Exam  >  NEET Questions  >  What is the path of the scattered alpha parti... Start Learning for Free
What is the path of the scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's experiment?
Most Upvoted Answer
What is the path of the scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's expe...
Path of Scattered Alpha Particles in Rutherford's Experiment
The path of scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's experiment can be explained in detail as follows:

1. Setup of the Experiment:
- In Rutherford's famous gold foil experiment, alpha particles were emitted from a radioactive source towards a thin gold foil.
- The alpha particles were expected to pass through the gold foil with little to no deflection, according to the prevailing plum pudding model of the atom.

2. Observation of Scattering:
- Surprisingly, some alpha particles were deflected at large angles, while others even bounced back in the direction from which they came.
- This unexpected result led Rutherford to conclude that the positive charge of the atom must be concentrated in a small, dense nucleus at its center.

3. Explanation of Scattering Path:
- Most of the alpha particles passed straight through the gold foil, as they encountered no significant obstacles.
- Some alpha particles were deflected at small angles as they came close to the positively charged nucleus of the gold atoms.
- A few alpha particles, due to their close approach to the nucleus, experienced strong repulsion and were scattered at large angles or even bounced back.

4. Significance of the Experiment:
- Rutherford's experiment revolutionized the understanding of atomic structure, leading to the development of the nuclear model of the atom.
- The discovery of the atomic nucleus paved the way for further research into subatomic particles and the development of modern atomic theory.
In conclusion, the path of scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's experiment revealed the existence of a dense, positively charged nucleus at the center of the atom, challenging the prevailing model of the atom at that time.
Community Answer
What is the path of the scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's expe...
About 99% remained indeflected 0.9% particles move making some angle and only about 0.1% alpha particles get completely reflected and move antiparallel to original direction. it proves small and highly densed nucleus located in an atom.
Attention NEET Students!
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed NEET study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in NEET.
Explore Courses for NEET exam

Top Courses for NEET

What is the path of the scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's experiment?
Question Description
What is the path of the scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's experiment? for NEET 2024 is part of NEET preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the NEET exam syllabus. Information about What is the path of the scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's experiment? covers all topics & solutions for NEET 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What is the path of the scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's experiment?.
Solutions for What is the path of the scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's experiment? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for NEET. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for NEET Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of What is the path of the scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's experiment? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of What is the path of the scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's experiment?, a detailed solution for What is the path of the scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's experiment? has been provided alongside types of What is the path of the scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's experiment? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice What is the path of the scattered alpha particles in Rutherford's experiment? tests, examples and also practice NEET tests.
Explore Courses for NEET exam

Top Courses for NEET

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev