In the alpha-particle scattering experiment, a beam of positively charged α\alphaα-particles was directed at a thin gold foil.
Which statement correctly describes and explains an observation from this experiment?
Most of the α\alphaα-particles were absorbed by the neutrons in the gold nuclei.
A small proportion of the α\alphaα-particles were deflected through large angles because they were repelled by the concentrated positive charge of the gold nuclei.
Most of the α\alphaα-particles were deflected by 180∘180^\circ180∘ because they collided with the light orbital electrons.
None of the α\alphaα-particles were deflected because the plum-pudding model of the atom was correct.
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.