Question detail
What evidence led to the rejection of the plum pudding model?
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. Discovery of the neutron.
- B. Alpha particle scattering experiment results.
- C. The existence of isotopes.
- D. The development of quantum mechanics.
Answer
Alpha particle scattering experiment results.
Explanation
The alpha particle scattering experiment showed that most of the atom is empty space and that a small, dense nucleus exists, which contradicted the plum pudding model.
Common mistake
Confusing Atomic Models
Students often confuse the characteristics of the plum pudding model with those of the nuclear model, mistakenly attributing the presence of electrons in the nucleus.
To fix this, students should focus on the key features of each model: the plum pudding model describes a positively charged sphere with electrons embedded, while the nuclear model has a small, dense nucleus containing protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting around it.
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