Question detail
Why did some alpha particles bounce back during the scattering experiment?
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. They hit electrons directly
- B. They were repelled by the positive charge of the nucleus
- C. They were absorbed by the gold atoms
- D. They lost energy and changed direction
Answer
The correct answer is B: They were repelled by the positive charge of the nucleus.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: They were repelled by the positive charge of the nucleus. This supports the learning objective "Describe how the discovery of the electron led to 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: They hit electrons directly; They were absorbed by the gold atoms; They lost energy and changed direction.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding the Plum Pudding Model
Students often think the plum pudding model describes electrons as being randomly distributed throughout a solid mass of positive charge, rather than embedded within it.
Clarify that the plum pudding model depicts a ball of positive charge with negative electrons embedded in it, rather than a solid mass.
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