Question 4 Page 49 (Top) - Chapter 4 Class 9 - Structure of Atom

Last updated at Dec. 16, 2024 by

What do you think would be the observation if the α-particle scattering experiment is carried out using a foil of a metal other than gold?  

 

Answer

  • Rutherford used a gold foil in his α-particle scattering experiment because he wanted as thin a layer as possible.  
    • This gold foil was about 1000 atoms thick.
    • Gold is highly malleable , that is it can be beaten to very thin sheets without it breaking.
  • If he had used any other metal, the sheets wouldn't be as thin as that of gold .
    • The alpha particles would not be able to pass through , thus yielding inaccurate results.
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