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A Levels Physics (9702)•9702/12/M/J/18
Question 38 from 9702/12/M/J/18

Explanation

Rutherford's experiment infers atomic emptiness and nuclear charge/mass, but not composition.

Steps:

  • Observe that most α-particles pass undeflected, indicating atoms are mostly empty space (A).
  • Note small-angle deflections from atom's overall mass, but large rebounds require concentrated mass in a tiny nucleus (B).
  • Recognize rebounds occur due to electrostatic repulsion, proving the nucleus is positively charged (D).
  • Conclude the experiment provides no data on neutral particles like neutrons, so nuclear composition (C) remains unknown.

Why C is correct:

  • The scattering follows Coulomb's law for charged particle repulsion, detecting only positive charge and mass density, not neutral neutrons (discovered via separate neutron-proton scattering in 1932).

Why the others are wrong:

  • A: Direct from undeflected particles traversing foil without interaction.
  • B: Explained by Rutherford's formula for scattering, where large deflections imply dense central mass.
  • D: Rebounds result from like-charge repulsion between α-particles and nucleus.

Final answer: C

Topic: Atoms, nuclei and radiation

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