In the α\alphaα-particle scattering experiment, a beam of α\alphaα-particles is directed at a thin gold foil.
Which row correctly describes a key observation from this experiment and the corresponding conclusion that it leads to?
Observation: A very small fraction of the α\alphaα-particles are deflected through angles greater than 90∘90^\circ90∘
Conclusion: Most of the mass and positive charge of the atom are concentrated in a tiny nucleus
Observation: A very small fraction of the α\alphaα-particles are deflected through angles greater than 90∘90^\circ90∘
Conclusion: The positive charge is uniformly distributed throughout the entire volume of the atom
Observation: The majority of the α\alphaα-particles are deflected through angles greater than 90∘90^\circ90∘
Conclusion: Most of the mass and positive charge of the atom are concentrated in a tiny nucleus
Observation: The majority of the α\alphaα-particles are deflected through angles greater than 90∘90^\circ90∘
Conclusion: The positive charge is uniformly distributed throughout the entire volume 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.