Question

An experiment using alpha particles to bombard a thin sheet of gold foil indicated that most of the volume of the atoms in the foil is taken up by ...

Answer 1

Empty space. We now know that this is the gap between the electrons and nucleus.

Answer 2

The experiment that used alpha particles to bombard a thin sheet of gold foil indicated that most of the volume of the atoms in the foil is taken up by $\boxed{{\text{empty space}}}$

Further Explanation:

Rutherford’s experiment:

Rutherford's model of atom is the classic model of the atom instead of having many limitations. He designed an experiment that used alpha particles emitted by radioactive elements as objects that can demonstrate the structure of the atom. Rutherford showed his own physical model for the subatomic structure as a result of the experimental observations.

The postulates of Rutherford’s model are as follows:

1. An atom consists of a positive charge in a very small volume. Most of its mass is concentrated in a very small region of the atom and this region was termed as the nucleus of the atom.

2. The nucleus of the atom is surrounded by the negatively charged particles which were called electron. These electrons were supposed to revolve around the atomic nucleus in a circular path at a very high speed. This circular path is called orbit.

3. A very strong electrostatic force of attraction holds together the negatively charged electrons revolving around the nucleus positively charged concentrated in the nucleus.

Limitations of Rutherford’s model:

1. It did not tell anything about the distribution of electrons in various orbits.

2. This model failed to explain Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetic radiation.

3. It was unable to explain the stability of an atom.

Therefore most of the volume of an atom is taken up by empty space in the atom.

Learn more:

1. The major contribution of Antoine Lavoisier to chemistry: brainly.com/question/2500879

2. Example of physical change: brainly.com/question/1119909

Answer details:

Grade: High School

Subject: Chemistry

Chapter: Atomic Structure

Keywords: Rutherford, atom, volume, nucleus, orbit, postulates, limitations, Maxwell, electromagnetic radiations, distribution of electrons, stability of atom.