Question

Predict and test the behavior of α particles fired at a "plum pudding" model atom.

a) The α particles will pass through the atom with minimal deflection.

b) The α particles will be scattered in various directions.

c) The α particles will be attracted towards the electrons.

d) The α particles will be absorbed by the nucleus.

Answer 1

The plum pudding model predicted minimal deflection of alpha particles fired at an atom, but the actual results showed scattering in various directions, leading to the discovery of the atomic nucleus.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the plum pudding model, the expectation was that alpha particles fired at the atom would pass through with minimal deflection. However, the actual results of the famous gold foil experiment conducted by Rutherford showed that a small percentage of alpha particles were scattered in various directions, with some even being redirected back toward the source.

This unexpected finding led to the conclusion that the atom has a very small, dense, positively-charged nucleus at its center.