02/06/2025, 08:58 Atoms - Rutherford's Alpha Scattering Experiment
Atoms - Rutherford's
Alpha Scattering
Experiment
The chapter on atoms is divided into three parts: experiments
(Millikan oil drop and Rutherford's alpha scattering), Bohr's
model, and X-rays.
Newer versions of the textbook do not include the X-ray and
Millikan oil drop experiments.
Rutherford's Alpha Particle Scattering Experiment
Purpose: To understand the structure of an atom.
Alpha particles (positively charged) were bombarded onto an
atom, and their paths were observed.
Observations:
Most alpha particles went straight, indicating that most
of the atom is empty space.
Some alpha particles suffered minor deviations.
Very few (1 in 1000) took a U-turn (deviated by 180
degrees), indicating a positive charge concentrated in a
small space at the center of the atom.
Conclusions:
Most of the atom is hollow.
At the center, there is a small, positively charged region
called the nucleus.
Comparison of Sizes:
The atom is much larger than the nucleus (by a factor of
10,000 to 100,000).
If the atom were the size of a football ground, the
nucleus would be the size of a football.
Geiger-Marsden Experiment & Impact Parameter
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Impact Parameter (b): The perpendicular distance from the
02/06/2025, 08:58 Atoms - Rutherford's Alpha Scattering Experiment
nucleus to the line of velocity of the alpha particle.
It determines how close the alpha particle will pass to
the nucleus.
Smaller impact parameter means the alpha particle
passes closer to the nucleus, experiences more force,
and deviates more.
If the alpha particle goes straight towards the nucleus,
the impact parameter is zero.
Formula for Impact Parameter:
Ze2
b = 1umberof alphaparticles4πϵ0 ∗ E
∗ cot( 2θ )
is directly proportional to cot( 2θ ) ($\theta$ is the
b
deviation angle).
Formula for Number of Alpha Particles (N) at an Angle
($\theta$):
1
N (θ) ∝ sin4 ( 2θ )
Deflection, Scattering, and Distance of Closest Approach
Alpha particles are deflected due to the Coulomb repulsive force
between them and the positive charges in the atom's nucleus.
Distance of Closest Approach:
The distance at which the alpha particle is closest to the
nucleus, and its velocity is zero at this point.
Kinetic energy of the alpha particle is converted into
potential energy.
KE = PE ; 12 mv 2 = k ∗ q1q2 r , where q1 is the charge
on the alpha particle, q2 is the charge inside the
nucleus, and r is the distance of closest approach.
Experimental Setup & Observations
Alpha particles are generated from radioactive substances (e.g.,
uranium, thorium) placed inside a lead cavity.
These particles are directed towards a thin gold foil (target atom).
The alpha particle detector measures deviation angles.
Observations:
Most alpha particles pass through the gold foil without
deviation (atom is mostly hollow).
Some are deflected at small angles.
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A very small number are deflected at large angles (or
02/06/2025, 08:58 Atoms - Rutherford's Alpha Scattering Experiment
even retraced their path, 180-degree deflection).
The nucleus contains a positive charge concentrated in
a small space.
Formulas and Relationships
Q∗n∗t∗Z 2 ∗e4
N∝ sin4 ( 2θ )
is the number of alpha particles scattered at angle θ.
N
N is directly proportional to Z 2 (atomic number
squared) and inversely proportional to sin4 ( 2θ ).
Impact Parameter
The perpendicular distance from the nucleus's center to the
initial velocity line of the alpha particle.
Numerical Application
If 55 alpha particles are scattered at 90 degrees, calculate the
number of alpha particles scattered at 60 degrees.
Use the relationship N ∝ sin 1( ) . 4 θ
N 60 = 4 ∗ N 90, If N 90 = 55, then N 60 = 220. This is
2
derived from proportionalities between the different angles.
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