Rutherford's Model Of Atom

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Overview

Lord Rutherford's Experiment:
Lord Rutherford conducted an experiment where he observed the scattering of high-speed alpha particles directed at a thin gold foil. Most particles passed through undeflected, some deflected at large angles, and a few deflected backward.

Discovery of Nucleus:
Based on the experimental results, Rutherford proposed the planetary model of the atom, suggesting a tiny nucleus surrounded by electrons moving in closed orbits to maintain stability. This model explained the presence of a central heavy nucleus within the atom.

Questions and Answers

  1. What experiment did Rutherford perform to discover the nucleus of an atom?

    Rutherford performed an experiment where he studied the scattering of high-speed alpha particles directed onto a gold foil.

  2. What did Rutherford observe during his experiment with the gold foil?

    Rutherford observed that most of the alpha particles went through the foil undeflected, some were deflected at large angles, and a few were deflected backward.

  3. What did Rutherford propose based on his experimental observations?

    Rutherford proposed that the rebounding particles must have collided with the central heavy portion of the atom, which he called the nucleus.

  4. Describe Rutherford's planetary model of the atom.

    Rutherford proposed a planetary model where a tiny nucleus is surrounded by an appropriate number of electrons, similar to the solar system.

  5. Why did Rutherford's model of the atom face a challenge regarding the behavior of electrons?

    Rutherford's model faced a challenge because the moving electrons would be accelerated towards the nucleus, leading to instability.

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. What did Rutherford discover in his classic experiment in 1911?

    a) Neutron
    b) Electron
    c) Nucleus
    d) Proton
    Answer: c) Nucleus

  2. What did Rutherford propose as the central heavy portion of the atom in his model?

    a) Electron
    b) Proton
    c) Neutron
    d) Nucleus
    Answer: d) Nucleus

  3. According to Rutherford's model, what surrounds the tiny nucleus in an atom?

    a) Electrons in stationary orbits
    b) Protons in circular motion
    c) Neutrons in random paths
    d) Electrons in closed orbits
    Answer: d) Electrons in closed orbits

  4. Why were the outer electrons in Rutherford's model not supposed to be stationary?

    a) Due to repulsion from the nucleus
    b) To avoid collision with protons
    c) To prevent falling into the nucleus
    d) To increase atomic stability
    Answer: c) To prevent falling into the nucleus

  5. What was the major flaw in Rutherford's model regarding the behavior of electrons?

    a) Electrons were too heavy
    b) Electrons were too fast
    c) Electrons were not stable
    d) Electrons should be stationary
    Answer: c) Electrons were not stable