Physics · May / June 2026 · Paper 12 · Question 37

In the alpha-particle scattering experiment, a beam of alpha-particles is aimed at a thin sheet of gold in a vacuum. A student writes three conclusions about this experiment. 1 The atom has a very small nucleus surrounded by mostly empty space. 2 The atom has a nucleus which contains most of the atomic mass. 3 The atom has a nucleus that is negatively charged. Which conclusions are correct?

1. A1, 2 and 3
2. B1 and 2 only
3. C1 and 3 only
4. D2 and 3 only

As printed in the paper