Question

Predict and test the behavior of α particles fired at a "plum pudding" model atom. (a) Predict the paths taken by α particles that are fired at atoms with a Thomson's plum pudding model structure. Explain why you expect the α particles to take these paths. (b) If α particles of higher energy than those in (a) are fired at plum pudding atoms, predict how their paths will differ from the lower-energy α particle paths. Explain your reasoning. (c) Now test your predictions from (a) and (b). Open the Rutherford scattering simulation and select the "plum pudding atom" tab. Set "alpha particles energy" to "min," and select "show traces." Click on the gun to start firing α particles. Does this match your prediction from (a)?

Answer 1

In a Rutherford atom model, α particles are expected to pass through with minimal deflection, but might be deflected at large angles if they closely approach the nucleus. Higher energy levels would lead to steeper deflection angles, and increasing the atomic number of the target nucleus results in greater deflection due to stronger repulsive forces. These behaviors can be tested using the Rutherford Scattering simulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When predicting the behavior of α particles fired at a Rutherford atom model, one would expect that most particles pass through the atom with minimal deflection, given that the positive charge is concentrated in a small nucleus at the center. However, some α particles may be deflected at larger angles if they come close to the nucleus due to the repulsive force between the positive α particle and the positive nucleus.

If α particles of higher energy are used, we would expect these particles to come closer to the nucleus before being deflected due to their higher momentum. This could result in more particles being deflected at steeper angles compared to lower-energy α particles.

In the case of firing α particles at Rutherford atoms of elements other than gold, the paths taken by α particles would differ based on the atomic number of the element. Atoms with more protons in the nucleus will exert a stronger repulsive force, leading to larger deflection angles. By testing these predictions with the provided Rutherford Scattering simulation, one can observe whether the behavior of α particles matches theoretical expectations. Generally, the simulation should confirm that the deflection of α particles increases with the atomic number of the nucleus and the energy of the α particles.