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5.1 The nuclear model of the atom

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Question 21

In the Rutherford alpha-particle scattering experiment, alpha-particles are directed at a thin metal foil. Two key observations are made:

  1. The vast majority of the alpha-particles pass through the foil with negligible deflection.
  2. A tiny fraction of the alpha-particles are deflected through angles greater than 90∘90^\circ90∘.

State the distinct conclusion about the structure of the atom that is drawn from each of these two observations.

[4]
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5.1 The nuclear model of the atom Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /5.1 The nuclear model of the atom

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.

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