In Rutherford's alpha-particle scattering experiment, α\alphaα-particles were directed at a thin gold foil. Which of the following statements correctly describes an observation from the experiment and the conclusion drawn from it?
Most of the α\alphaα-particles passed straight through undeflected, showing that the nucleus has a positive charge.
A tiny fraction of the α\alphaα-particles were deflected by large angles, showing that the mass and positive charge of the atom are concentrated in a tiny volume.
No α\alphaα-particles were deflected, showing that the plum pudding model was completely correct.
All α\alphaα-particles were absorbed by the gold foil, showing that atoms do not contain any empty space.
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.