A-LevelPhysicsNuclear physicsFeb/Mar 2022Paper 1 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
The correct answer is C. This question tests the candidate's understanding of nuclear physics within the Physicssyllabus. The examiner's mark scheme requires...
📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis
Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...
🔒
Unlock the Examiner's Answer
Sign up for free to reveal the correct answer, the official mark scheme breakdown, and the examiner trap analysis for this question.
Sign Up Free to Unlock →Join thousands of Cambridge students already using Oracle Prep