Question

Which atomic models presented in the task are not supported by Thompson’s experimental evidence? Explain the experimental results each model would predict.

Answer 1

The atomic models unsupported by Thomson's evidence were Dalton's indivisible atom and Nagaoka's Saturn-like atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thomson's Plum Pudding Model versus Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment

The atomic models that are not supported by J.J. Thomson's experimental evidence include Dalton's indivisible atom and Nagaoka's Saturn-like atom. Thomson's model proposed that electrons were embedded within a positively charged 'soup', creating what is commonly referred to as the 'plum pudding' or 'chocolate chip cookie' model. The model implied that alpha particles shot at a thin foil in an experiment would pass through with minimal deflection because the positive charge was thought to be evenly spread out.

Contrary to Thomson's model, Rutherford's gold foil experiment demonstrated that alpha particles were deflected at large angles, with some even bouncing back. This suggested the presence of a heavy, dense, positively charged nucleus at the center of the atom, which was not accounted for in Thomson's model. Rutherford's findings gave rise to the planetary model of the atom, which is significantly different from Thomson's model because it features a central nucleus around which electrons orbit, similar to planets around the sun.