Particle Physics

Particle Physics

1. Rutherford

   • Alpha Particle Scattering Experiment
     • Rutherford directed beams of alpha particles at thin gold foil to test this model and noted how the alpha particles scattered from the foil.
       • Observations
         • Most of the alpha particles went whizzing straight through undeflected.
           • Most of the atom is just empty space
         • Some alpha particles were deflected through large angles
           • Most of the mass must be in a central, very dense "Nucleus"
         • The number of alpha particles deflected through large angles was very small
           • The nucleus must be tiny compared to the size of the whole atom
         • The alpha particles had a positive charge
           • The nucleus must be positively charged