Question

After 1911, most scientists accepted the theory that nucleus of an atom was very dense and very small and has a positive charge. What led scientists to accept this theory?

Answer 1

Scientists accepted the theory of a dense and small nucleus in an atom based on Ernest Rutherford's experiments. Rutherford's experiments with alpha particles revealed that most particles passed through a thin gold foil with little deflection, but some were deflected at large angles or reflected back. This led Rutherford to propose the existence of a small, dense, positively charged nucleus at the center of an atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

After conducting experiments with alpha particles, Ernest Rutherford proposed a new model of the atom in 1911. His experiments showed that most alpha particles passed through a thin gold foil with little deflection, but some were highly deflected or reflected back. Rutherford concluded that atoms have a small, dense, positively charged nucleus at the center, surrounded by negatively charged electrons. This theory explained why some particles were deflected at large angles and supported the idea that the nucleus contains most of the mass of an atom.

Answer 2

After 1911 most scientists accepted the theory that the nucleus of an atom was very dense and very small and has a positive charge.