What are the observations of Rutherford's model of an atom?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the observations and conclusions derived from Rutherford's model of the atom, which primarily involves understanding its structure based on his gold foil experiment and the implications for atomic theory.
Answer
Most of the atom is empty space; positive charge is concentrated in a small nucleus.
The major observations of Rutherford's model include that most of the atom is empty space, all positive charges are concentrated in a small nucleus, and the nucleus is very small compared to the whole atom.
Answer for screen readers
The major observations of Rutherford's model include that most of the atom is empty space, all positive charges are concentrated in a small nucleus, and the nucleus is very small compared to the whole atom.
More Information
Rutherford's model led to a shift from the plum pudding model by demonstrating that the atom has a dense, central nucleus.
