In Rutherford's gold foil experiment, α\alphaα-particles (helium nuclei) were fired at a thin sheet of gold foil.
Which statement correctly identifies an observation from this experiment and the conclusion drawn from it?
Most of the α\alphaα-particles passed straight through the foil, concluding that the atom is mostly empty space.
A large majority of the α\alphaα-particles were deflected by more than 90∘90^\circ90∘, concluding that the nucleus is very large.
Some of the α\alphaα-particles were attracted and bound to the gold nuclei, concluding that the nucleus has a negative charge.
Most of the α\alphaα-particles were absorbed by the electrons, concluding that electrons contain most of the atomic mass.
284 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.1 The nuclear model of the atom, covering 5.1.1a Structure of the atom and ions, 5.1.1b Alpha-particle scattering, 5.1.2a Composition of the nucleus and isotopes, 5.1.2b Proton number, nucleon number and nuclide notation, and 5.1.2c Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.