Which of the following can be concluded about a gold atom from the deflection of this α particle?
A - Edexcel - A-Level Physics - Question 9 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 9
Which of the following can be concluded about a gold atom from the deflection of this α particle?
A. The atom contains electrons.
B. The atom has zero charge.
C. ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which of the following can be concluded about a gold atom from the deflection of this α particle?
A - Edexcel - A-Level Physics - Question 9 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
D. The nucleus of the atom is positively charged.
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The deflection of the α particle indicates that it is repelled by a positively charged area within the gold atom, which can be deduced to be the nucleus. Since α particles, which are positively charged, are deflected, it confirms that the nucleus is also positively charged, supporting the option D.