Question detail
What did Geiger and Marsden's experiment demonstrate about the atom?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Atoms and isotopes
Question
- A. Atoms are indivisible
- B. Atoms have a small, dense nucleus
- C. Atoms contain only neutrons
- D. Atoms are made of electrons
Answer
The correct answer is B: Atoms have a small, dense nucleus.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: Atoms have a small, dense nucleus. This supports the learning objective "Describe how alpha scattering evidence led to the nuclear model replacing the plum pudding model." in The development of the model of the atom because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Atoms and isotopes. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required The development of the model of the atom idea: Atoms are indivisible; Atoms contain only neutrons; Atoms are made of electrons.
Common mistake
Confusing Models
Students often confuse the plum pudding model with the nuclear model, thinking they describe the same structure of the atom.
To fix this, students should focus on the key differences: the plum pudding model depicts a positive sphere with electrons embedded, while the nuclear model shows a dense nucleus with electrons orbiting around it.
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