The correct answer for this question is option C, the Rutherford model.

The Geiger-Marsden experiment, also known as the gold foil experiment, was conducted in 1909 by Hans Geiger and Ernest Marsden under the supervision of Ernest Rutherford. The experiment aimed to investigate the structure of atoms and determine the distribution of positive charge within an atom.

The Geiger-Marsden Experiment:

- In the experiment, a beam of alpha particles was directed at a thin gold foil.
- The alpha particles were emitted from a radioactive source and had a positive charge.
- The gold foil was chosen because it could be made extremely thin, allowing the alpha particles to pass through.
- Around the gold foil, a circular fluorescent screen was placed to detect the deflected alpha particles.
- The expectation was that the alpha particles would pass straight through the gold foil with minimal deflection, according to the prevailing Thomson model.

Results of the Experiment:

- Contrary to Thomson's model, which suggested that atoms were composed of a uniform positive charge with electrons scattered throughout, the results of the Geiger-Marsden experiment showed unexpected and significant deflections of the alpha particles.
- Most of the alpha particles passed straight through the gold foil without any deflection.
- However, a small percentage of alpha particles were deflected at large angles, and some even bounced back in the direction from which they came.
- These observations were highly surprising and challenged the prevailing understanding of atomic structure.

The Rutherford Model:

- Ernest Rutherford, upon analyzing the results of the experiment, proposed a new atomic model known as the Rutherford model or the nuclear model of the atom.
- According to Rutherford's model, the atom consists of a tiny, dense, and positively charged nucleus at its center.
- The nucleus contains almost all the mass of the atom, while the electrons revolve around it in empty space.
- The nucleus is positively charged, and the electrons are negatively charged.
- The deflection of the alpha particles in the Geiger-Marsden experiment was explained by the presence of the positively charged nucleus, which caused the repulsion and deflection of the alpha particles.

Conclusion:

Based on the above explanation, it is clear that the model that best explains the results of the Geiger-Marsden experiment is the Rutherford model. This model introduced the concept of a dense and positively charged nucleus, which explained the unexpected deflection of the alpha particles. The Thomson model, which proposed a uniform positive charge throughout the atom, failed to explain these results. Therefore, option C, the Rutherford model, is the correct answer.