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How Rutherford changed the atomic model

How Rutherford changed the atomic model

Comparison of alpha scattering in plum pudding and Rutherford nuclear models, showing mostly straight paths in a diffuse atom and rare backscatter from a tiny nucleus

Rutherford's team fired alpha particles, which have charge +2e+2e+2e, at very thin gold foil. Most passed straight through, some were deflected, and a tiny fraction came back.

Particles and Nuclear Structure Lesson

  1. A Level
  2. /Physics
  3. /Particles and Nuclear Structure

Step-by-step lessons on Eduqas A Level Physics Particles and Nuclear Structure. Each one builds up to exam-style questions. Physics is one of the most mathematically demanding A Levels -- a minimum of 40% of the marks require maths skills at Level 2 (GCSE) standard or above, so build calculation and graph-handling fluency alongside the conceptual content from the start.

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