Question detail
What did the deflection of some alpha particles in the gold foil experiment suggest about the structure of 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 mostly empty space
- B. Positive charge is concentrated in a small nucleus
- C. Electrons are embedded in a positive sphere
- D. Atoms are indivisible
Answer
The correct answer is B: Positive charge is concentrated in a small nucleus.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: Positive charge is concentrated in a small nucleus. This supports the learning objective "Explain why some alpha particles being deflected suggested that positive charge is concentrated in a small nucleus." 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 mostly empty space; Electrons are embedded in a positive sphere; Atoms are indivisible.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Alpha Particle Deflection
Students often think that all alpha particles should be deflected by the nucleus, leading them to believe that the nucleus is large and occupies most of the atom's volume.
Emphasize that only a small fraction of alpha particles are deflected, indicating that the nucleus is small and dense, while most of the atom is empty space.
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