Question

Rutherford’s alpha-particle scattering experiment was responsible for the discovery of

• A. Atomic Nucleus
• B. Electron
• C. Proton
• D. Neutron

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Rutherford's alpha-particle scattering experiment significantly contributed to our understanding of atomic structure. Let's delve into this experiment and its implications: 

1. In 1909, Ernest Rutherford conducted the alpha-particle scattering experiment, where he bombarded a thin gold foil with alpha particles (which are positively charged particles).
2. Most of these alpha particles passed through the foil without any deflection, indicating that atoms are mostly empty space.
3. A few alpha particles were deflected at small angles, while a very small number were deflected back at angles greater than 90 degrees.
4. This surprising observation led Rutherford to propose the existence of a small, dense, positively charged center within the atom, which came to be known as the atomic nucleus.
5. Thus, Rutherford's experiment resulted in the discovery of the atomic nucleus.

Now, let's evaluate the options:

• Atomic Nucleus: This is the correct answer, as Rutherford's experiment provided evidence for the nucleus.
• Electron: Electrons were discovered earlier by J.J. Thomson in 1897 through cathode ray experiments.
• Proton: The existence of the proton was proposed by Rutherford later, but the alpha-particle experiment's primary conclusive finding was the nucleus as a whole.
• Neutron: Neutrons were discovered by James Chadwick in 1932, long after Rutherford's experiment.

Therefore, the correct answer is that Rutherford's alpha-particle scattering experiment was responsible for the discovery of the Atomic Nucleus.