It illustrates the concept of most particles passing through without interacting, akin to α-particles passing through atoms with minimal deflection.
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Rutherford conducted the α-particle scattering experiment.
Rutherford did not expect to see large deflections since the alpha (α)-particles were much heavier than the protons in the gold atoms.
Rutherford expected the alpha (α)-particles to be deflected by the sub-atomic particles within the gold atoms as they passed through the foil.
Alpha (α)-particles are doubly-charged helium ions consisting of two protons and two neutrons, with a mass of 4 atomic mass units (u).
Rutherford selected gold foil because he wanted the thinnest possible layer to increase the likelihood of interactions between the alpha particles and the atoms in the foil.
Rutherford designed an experiment where fast-moving alpha (α)-particles were directed at a thin gold foil.
Thomson’s analogies aimed to provide a visual and conceptual understanding of the atom’s structure, making it more accessible and relatable to everyday objects.
Thomson visualized electrons as currants in a Christmas pudding or seeds in a watermelon, studded within the positively charged sphere of the atom.
Thomson compared the distribution of positive charge in the atom to the red edible part of a watermelon, spread throughout the sphere.