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A-LevelPhysicsNuclear physicsMay/June 2018Paper 1 Q381 Mark

In the α-particle scattering experiment, a beam of α-particles is aimed at a thin gold foil. Most of the α-particles go straight through or are deflected by a small angle. A very small proportion are deflected through more than 90°, effectively rebounding towards the source of the α-particles. Which conclusion about the structure of atoms cannot be drawn from this experiment alone?

AMost of the atom is empty space.
BMost of the mass of an atom is concentrated in the nucleus.
CThe nucleus contains both protons and neutrons.
DThe nucleus is charged.

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The correct answer is C. This question tests the candidate's understanding of nuclear physics within the Physicssyllabus. The examiner's mark scheme requires...

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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...

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About This A-Level Physics Question

This multiple-choice question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics (9702) May/June 2018 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2. It tests the topic of Nuclear physics and is worth 1 mark.

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