In Rutherford's alpha-particle scattering experiment, the vast majority of the α\alphaα-particles passed straight through the thin gold foil with little or no deflection. Which of the following statements is the correct conclusion drawn from this specific observation?
The positive charge of the atom is spread uniformly throughout its volume.
Most of the volume of the atom consists of empty space.
All of the positive charge and most of the mass of the atom are concentrated in a very small volume.
The electrons orbit the nucleus in fixed shell radius.
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.