4.2. The Nuclear Model of the Atom http://www.ck12.org
c. The densest element known is osmium, which has a density of 22.6 g/cm^3. Comment on the difference
in density between osmium and a hydrogen nucleus.
- How could Rutherford’s experiment be modified in order to determine the relative sizes of different nuclei?
- Why was it not possible to detect the existence of the neutron with experiments analogous to those used in the
discovery of the electron? - All matter is composed of atoms, which are, in turn, composed mostly of empty space. Why is it not possible
to walk through a wall or to put your hand right through your desk?
Further Reading / Supplemental Links
- A cathode ray is a stream of negatively charged particles, or electrons. An anode ray (also called a canal ray)
is composed of positively charged particles. You can view a simulation of a canal ray at http://www.dlt.ncssm
.edu/core/Chapter3-Atomic_Str_Part1/Chapter3-Animations/Canal_Ray-CRT.htm. - You can find other simulations that will help you understand how the structure of the atom was determined
without actually being able to see inside:- Models of the Hydrogen Atom: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/hydrogen-atom
- Rutherford Scattering: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/rutherford-scattering