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Nuclear atom and alpha scattering
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From plum pudding to the nuclear atom

From plum pudding to the nuclear atom

Comparison of plum pudding and nuclear models with alpha particle paths showing slight deflections in the diffuse model and strong deflection near a tiny nucleus

Before Rutherford, the plum pudding model pictured positive charge spread through the atom with electrons embedded in it. Alpha scattering tested whether that positive charge was diffuse or concentrated.

Nuclear atom and alpha scattering Lesson

  1. AS Level
  2. /Physics
  3. /Nuclear atom and alpha scattering

Step-by-step lessons on Edexcel AS Level Physics Nuclear atom and alpha scattering. Each one builds up to exam-style questions.

Lessons