Describe Rutherford's model of the atom. - Leaving Cert Physics - Question (i) - 2014

Rutherford's model of the atom presents a revolutionary understanding of atomic structure based on the results of his famous gold foil experiment.

Key Features of Rutherford's Model:

1. Mostly Empty Space: The majority of an atom's volume is empty space. This finding was surprising, as it described atoms as largely unoccupied areas.

2. Dense Core: At the center of the atom lies a dense nucleus. This nucleus contains the majority of an atom's mass.

3. Positive Core: The nucleus is positively charged due to the presence of protons, which are subatomic particles that carry a positive charge.

4. Electron Cloud: Surrounding the nucleus, electrons occupy regions known as electron clouds. These negatively charged particles are in constant motion around the nucleus and contribute little to the atom's mass.

Overall, Rutherford's model significantly advanced the understanding of atomic theory by introducing the idea of a small, dense nucleus surrounded by a cloud of electrons.