Rutherford

Definition

Rutherford is best known for his gold foil experiment, which led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus. His work laid the foundation for modern atomic theory and our understanding of atomic structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rutherford's gold foil experiment involved the scattering of alpha particles through a thin sheet of gold.
2. The experiment demonstrated that atoms consist mostly of empty space with a dense central nucleus.
3. Rutherford proposed that the positively charged protons are located in the nucleus, while electrons orbit around it.
4. His findings contradicted the then-accepted plum pudding model proposed by J.J. Thomson.
5. Rutherford received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908 for his investigations into radioactive substances.

Review Questions

• What did Rutherford's gold foil experiment reveal about the structure of the atom?
• How did Rutherford's model of the atom differ from J.J. Thomson's plum pudding model?
• What significant award did Rutherford receive for his contributions to science?

Related terms

Alpha Particle: A type of ionizing radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons, emitted by certain radioactive materials.

Nucleus: The central part of an atom containing protons and neutrons, discovered by Rutherford.

Plum Pudding Model: An early atomic model proposed by J.J. Thomson that suggested atoms were composed of electrons within a positively charged 'soup.'