Physics (AS & A Level) · May / June 2018 · Paper 12 · Question 38

In the α-particle scattering experiment, a beam of α-particles is aimed at a thin gold foil. Most of the α-particles go straight through or are deflected by a small angle. A very small proportion are deflected through more than 90°, effectively rebounding towards the source of the α-particles. Which conclusion about the structure of atoms cannot be drawn from this experiment alone?

1. AMost of the atom is empty space.
2. BMost of the mass of an atom is concentrated in the nucleus.
3. CThe nucleus contains both protons and neutrons.
4. DThe nucleus is charged.

As printed in the paper