Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Atoms, nuclei and radiation

Atoms, nuclei and radiation — practice question

In an experiment involving $\alpha$-particle scattering, $\alpha$-particles are aimed at a thin gold foil. The majority of the $\alpha$-particles pass directly through the foil, or are turned through only a small angle. A small number of $\alpha$-particles are turned through a large angle. Which statement cannot be deduced from this experiment?

  • AAtoms are mostly empty space.
  • BMost of the mass of an atom is concentrated in the nucleus.
  • CThe nucleus of an atom contains protons.
  • DThe nucleus of an atom is small compared to the size of an atom.

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