In the Rutherford α\alphaα-particle scattering experiment, a beam of α\alphaα-particles was directed at a thin gold foil.
Which of the following statements correctly describes an observation and its corresponding conclusion from this experiment?
Most of the α\alphaα-particles passed straight through without deflection, showing that the atom consists mostly of empty space.
A large fraction of the α\alphaα-particles were deflected backwards, showing that the nucleus contains neutrons.
Most of the α\alphaα-particles were absorbed by the gold foil, showing that the atom is a solid mass.
All of the α\alphaα-particles were deflected at small angles, showing that the nucleus is negatively charged.
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.