In Rutherford's alpha particle scattering experiment, a thin gold foil is bombarded with alpha particles. It is observed that the vast majority of the alpha particles pass straight through the foil with little or no deflection.
Which statement explains this observation?
The positive charge of the gold atom is distributed uniformly throughout its volume.
Most of the volume of the gold atom is empty space.
The electrons inside the gold atom have negligible mass compared to alpha particles.
Almost all of the mass and positive charge of the gold atom are concentrated in a small nucleus.
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.