Physics 0625 · IGCSE · The nuclear model of the atom

The nuclear model of the atom — practice question

A scientist directs alpha-particles onto an extremely thin gold foil and observes the particles that emerge on the other side. Which statement about the outcome of the scattering experiment is correct?

  • AAlpha-particles are attracted to the nucleus of the atoms in the metal sheet.
  • BHalf the mass of the atom is concentrated in the nucleus.
  • CMost of the alpha-particles are deflected, showing that the nucleus is very dense.
  • DOnly a small number of alpha-particles are deflected, but some of these are deflected through large angles.

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