Rutherford's Atomic Model
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Questions and Answers

What was the prevailing model of the atom before Rutherford's experiment?

  • A dense, solid sphere.
  • A miniature solar system with electrons orbiting a nucleus.
  • A diffuse cloud of positive charge with embedded electrons. (correct)
  • A nucleus surrounded by a cloud of neutrons.

    • What unexpected observation in Rutherford's gold foil experiment led to the concept of the nucleus?

  • The gold foil became radioactive.
  • Some alpha particles were deflected at large angles. (correct)
  • Most alpha particles passed straight through the gold foil.
  • The alpha particles transformed into electrons.

    • How did Rutherford's model of the atom differ from Thomson's model?

  • Rutherford's model described electrons embedded in a positive cloud, while Thomson's did not.
  • Rutherford's model proposed a dense, solid atom, while Thomson's did not.
  • Rutherford's model included neutrons, while Thomson's did not.
  • Rutherford's model introduced the concept of a nucleus, while Thomson's did not. (correct)

    • What analogy did Rutherford use to describe his model of the atom?

    <p>A miniature solar system. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue with Rutherford's model did Niels Bohr address?

    <p>The instability of electrons orbiting the nucleus according to classical physics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What experimental evidence led Rutherford to infer the importance of the nucleus as a fundamental building block?

    <p>The emission of hydrogen nuclei when nitrogen is bombarded with alpha particles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Rutherford name the positively charged particle in the hydrogen nucleus?

    <p>Proton. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who discovered the neutron?

    <p>James Chadwick. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which element is named in honor of Ernest Rutherford?

    <p>Rutherfordium. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Rutherford's position at the University of Manchester?

    <p>Professor of Physics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Rutherford's Experiment

    An experiment where alpha particles were fired at gold foil, revealing atomic structure.

    Nucleus

    The tiny positively charged center of an atom, containing most of its mass.

    Plum Pudding Model

    An early atomic model proposing electrons are embedded in a positive charge cloud.

    Electrons

    Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom.

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    Alpha Particles

    Positively charged particles used by Rutherford to probe atomic structure.

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    Solar System Model

    Rutherford's analogy for his atomic model, depicting electrons orbiting a nucleus.

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    Proton

    A positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

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    Neutron

    A neutral particle residing within the atomic nucleus, discovered later.

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    Rutherfordium

    An element named after Ernest Rutherford, with atomic number 104.

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    Bohr's Model

    An atomic model proposing electrons occupy fixed energy levels around the nucleus.

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    Study Notes

    Rutherford's Atomic Model

    • Rutherford's experiment involved firing positively charged particles at a thin layer of atoms.
    • Most particles passed straight through, some were deflected, and some bounced back.
    • This suggested the atom consisted mostly of empty space with a small, dense, positively charged center (nucleus).
    • Electrons orbited the nucleus.

    Inside the Atom

    • In 1907, Rutherford became a physics professor at the University of Manchester.
    • He made a significant discovery about the atom's structure.
    • The previously accepted model (the plum pudding model) depicted an atom as a diffuse cloud of positive charge, with electrons embedded.
    • Rutherford's experiment disproved the plum pudding model.

    Radical Shift

    • In 1911, Rutherford proposed a new atomic model.
    • The model was a miniature solar system: mostly empty space, with electrons orbiting a tiny nucleus held together by energy.
    • This new model was a significant advancement in understanding atomic structure.

    Atomic Nucleus and the Proton

    • Rutherford's work with nitrogen and alpha particles led him to discover that the hydrogen nucleus, having a positive charge, is a fundamental building block of all matter.
    • He named this fundamental building block "the proton".
    • It was realized that atoms also contain other particles inside the nucleus with a neutral charge. These particles were later identified (1932) as the neutron.

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    Description

    Explore Rutherford's groundbreaking atomic model through this quiz. Understand the experiments that led to the concept of the nucleus and how it changed the perception of atomic structure. Challenge your knowledge on the implications of this model in physics.

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