A-LevelPhysicsNuclear physics9702/12 · Feb/Mar 2022 · Q381 Mark
When α-particles are directed at gold leaf: 1 almost all α-particles pass through without deflection 2 a few α-particles are deviated through large angles. What are the reasons for these effects? 1 2 A most α-particles have enough energy to pass right through the gold leaf gold is very dense so a few low energy α-particles bounce back from the gold surface B most α-particles miss all gold atoms a few α-particles bounce off gold atoms C the gold nucleus is very small so most α-particles pass all nuclei occasionally the path of an α-particle is close to a nucleus D the positive charge in an atom is not concentrated enough to deflect an α-particle occasionally an α-particle experiences many small deflections in the same direction
Amost α-particles have enough energy to pass right through the gold leaf, gold is very dense so a few low energy α-particles bounce back from the gold surface
Bmost α-particles miss all gold atoms, a few α-particles bounce off gold atoms
Cthe gold nucleus is very small so most α-particles pass all nuclei, occasionally the path of an α-particle is close to a nucleus
Dthe positive charge in an atom is not concentrated enough to deflect an α-particle, occasionally an α-particle experiences many small deflections in the same direction
✓ Correct answer
C: the gold nucleus is very small so most α-particles pass all nuclei, occasionally the path of an α-particle is close to a nucleus
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