Rutherford Model of the Atom


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Rutherford Model of the Atom

Rutherford’s Model of an Atom:  On the basis of his experiment, Rutherford concluded that:

  • Most of the space inside the atom is empty because most of the alpha-particles passed through the gold foil without getting deflected.
  • Very few particles were deflected from their path, indicating that the positive charge of the atom occupies very little space.
  • A very small fraction i.e. 1 in 1,00,000 of alpha-particles were deflected by 180º (i.e. they rebound), indicating that all the positive charge and mass of atom were concentrated in a very small volume within the atom.
  • On the basis of his experiment, Rutherford put forward the nuclear model of an atom, having the following features:

  • There is a positively charged, highly densed centre in an atom, called nucleus. Nearly, the whole mass of the atom resides in the nucleus.
  • The electrons revolve around the nucleus in circular path called orbits.
  • The number of electrons in the orbits is equal to the number of positive charge.
  • Most of the space in the atom is empty.
  • The size of the nucleus (large 10^{-5}m) is very small as compared to the size of the atom (large 10^{-10}m).
  • Note : Rutherford suggested that his model of atom was similar to that of our solar system. In the ‘solar system, the different planets are revolving around the Sun. In the same manner, in an atom the electrons are revolving around the nucleus. So, these electrons are also called planetary electrons.

    Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    Which of the following statement / statements are correct :

    (a) Rutherford used a thin layer of gold foil in his experiment.

    (b) Most of the space inside the atom is filled with protons because most of the alpha-particles passed through the gold foil without getting deflected.

    (c) Very few particles were deflected from their path, indicating that the positive charge of the atom occupies very little space.

    Right Option : D
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    Explanation
    Question : 2

    When alpha particles are used to bombard gold foil, most of the alpha particles pass through undeflected. This result indicates that most of the volume of a gold atom consists of:

    Right Option : D
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    Rutherford's scattering experiment is related to the size of the :

    Right Option : A
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