Gold foil experiment- Rutherford (Edexcel GCSE Physics): Revision Notes

4.1.7 Rutherford Scattering

1911 - Rutherford

• Realised most of the atom was empty space

Gold Foil Experiment:

• Most $\alpha$ particles went straight through
• So most of the atom is empty space
• Some $\alpha$ particles were slightly deflected
• So nucleus must be charged, deflecting positive (\alpha)
• Few $\alpha$ particles were deflected by >90°
• So nucleus contained most of the mass
• The experiment was carried out by Geiger and Marsden (specifics not needed)

1913 - Rutherford Model

• A positive nucleus at the centre of the atom
• Negative electrons exist in a cloud around the nucleus