Question detail
What evidence led scientists to replace the plum pudding model with the nuclear model?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
A simple model of the atom, symbols, relative atomic mass, electronic charge and isotopes
Question
- A. The discovery of the neutron
- B. Alpha particle scattering experiments
- C. The observation of electron orbits
- D. The identification of isotopes
Answer
Alpha particle scattering experiments
Explanation
Alpha particle scattering experiments showed that most of the mass and positive charge of an atom is concentrated in a small nucleus, contradicting the plum pudding model.
Common mistake
Confusing Atomic Models
Students often confuse the features of the plum pudding model with those of the nuclear model, thinking they are the same.
To fix this, students should clearly outline the key differences: the plum pudding model depicts electrons embedded in a positively charged 'soup', while the nuclear model has a dense nucleus containing protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting around it. Keep the correction anchored to The development of the model of the atom and avoid mixing it with nearby Unit 4.1 ideas.
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