Physics 0625 · IGCSE · The nuclear model of the atom

The nuclear model of the atom — practice question

When a thin gold foil is struck by alpha particles, some of the alpha particles are scattered at large angles. Which statement accounts for this scattering?

  • AMost of the atom consists of empty space.
  • BAll of the positive charge and most of the mass of the gold atom are concentrated in a small volume.
  • CPositive charge in the gold atom is spread evenly throughout the atom.
  • DAll of the negative charge is concentrated at its centre.

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