Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 32 - Think and Explain - Page 613-614: 24

Answer

See below.

Work Step by Step

In Rutherford’s model, the dense, tiny nucleus accounts for the backscattering of alpha particles. A very massive positively-charged nucleus is required, since the alpha particles are repelled with very little change in their kinetic energy. Rutherford concluded that the alpha particles bounced off something many times more massive than themselves. If the nucleus were larger and just as massive, a larger fraction of the incoming alpha particles would be backscattered, so he concluded the the nucleus must be small as well as massive. This is discussed on pages 603-604.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.