Question

If a tiny particle is shot into the middle of an atom, it hits something dense in the center and bounces back in the direction it came from. If a tiny particle is shot into the edges of the atom, it goes through. Most tiny particles shot at an atom will go through. (Rutherford, 1911). Compare models C and B. Which model supports this evidence? Model B: In this model the atom is a sphere containing negatively charged particles embedded in it. These small negative particles were originally called “corpuscles” and later called electrons. However it was recognized that the atom is neutral (no charge) so there must be an equal positive charge in the atom to offset the negative charge of the electrons. Since no other particles were known at this time the rest of the atom consisted of a positive charge. (Thompson) Model C: In this model the atom is not a solid sphere. It consists of small pieces called electrons and a dense nucleus in the center of the atom with a positive charge. The electrons circle around the nucleus, are tiny, and have a negative charge. The nucleus is small and positively charged. Most of the atom is empty space occupied by the electrons. (Rutherford)

Answer 1

model C

Step-by-step explanation

The middle of the atom (nucleus) is positively charged, this is explained by the Rutherford's model of the atom. Particles rebounded because of repulsion between the positively charged nucleus and the alpha particles. And since the nucleus is small, its radius is small which is why most particles go through.