Question

What were the expected results of Rutherford’s gold foil experiment, based on Thomson’s model of the atom? How did the real results of the gold foil experiment change the accepted model of the atom?

Answer 1

The expected results of the Rutherford's gold foil experiment were that the relative massive alpha particles (respect to electrons) could go through the gold foil without being deviated of their trajectory or only small deviations due to the uniformly distributed positive charge of the protons. The real results showed that some particles were significantly deviated of the trajectory (large deviation angles and even some particles bounced back to the source). This lead Rutherford to reject the plum pudding model and propose a new one. The new model proposed by Rutherford was that the atom consisted of a small and every dense nucleus (which contained the positive charge, protons) and a vast region, almost empty, but where the electrons were, surrounding the nucleus.

Answer 2

Thomson hypotheses were tested by Rutherford by devising his gold foil experiment.  Rutherford thought that if Thomas model was correct and accurate, then it means the mass of the atom were scattered within the atom.  He also reasoned that if he shot alpha particles (helium nuclei) at an atom, there would be too little to deflect alpha particles.  

Further Explanation

Rutherford further tested Thomson hypotheses by using a thin film of gold atoms. The outcome of the experiment took Rutherford by surprise because many of the alpha particles (helium nuclei) went through the gold foil and some alpha particles bounced back.  

The outcome of the experiment was not in line with Thomson model. Rutherford dropped the plum pudding model and reasoned that alpha particles could be deflected backward only if the mass within an atom is present in a nucleus.  

The component of atoms has been discovered as back as 1911 and it is made up of subatomic particles known as protons and electrons. How these electrons and protons were organized within the atom was very unclear. However, J.J. Thomson proposed what he called a “plum pudding model. The plum pudding model detailed how the electrons and protons are mixed within the atom.

LEARN MORE:

• Rutherford's gold foil experiment brainly.com/question/12523999

KEYWORDS:

• Thomson’s model of the atom
• Rutherford’s gold foil experiment
• protons
• electrons
• plum pudding model