CK-12 Physical Science Concepts - For Middle School

http://www.ck12.org Chapter 2. Matter

FIGURE 2.79

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Watch this video about Rutherford’s gold foil experiment, and then answer the questions below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBqHkraf8iE (4:06)

MEDIA

Click image to the left for use the URL below.

URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/54901

1. How did Rutherford observe alpha particles in his experiment? In the modern version of Rutherford’s ex-
   periment, which is shown in the video, how are alpha particles observed? Which way do you think is more
   accurate?


2. Based on the animation in the video, draw a sketch showing what happens to alpha particles as they pass
   through gold atoms.


3. How has Rutherford’s gold foil experiment been adopted by modern researchers?

Review

1. How did Ernest Rutherford discover the nucleus of the atom?


2. Place Rutherford’s discovery in the broader history of the atom. (Hint:See the timeline at the following URL
   for more information: http://www.clickandlearn.org/gr9_sci/atoms/modelsoftheatom.html .)


3. Describe how you could make a three-dimensional version of Rutherford’s planetary model of the atom.