Question

1. based on your observations from the simulation, draw at least ten alpha particle paths as observed during the simulation on the plum pudding model.
2. based on the plum pudding model, describe the movement of alpha particles through the atom.
3. simulation 2 analysis
4. based on your observations from the simulation, draw at least ten alpha particle paths as observed during the simulation on rutherfords actual results.
5. based on the plum pudding model, describe the movement of alpha particles through the atom.
6. what happened when the alpha particle collided with the center of the atom? in terms of charge of the alpha particle, what does that imply the charge of this center is?
7. if the outermost dotted line in the image above represents the very outside of the atom, what can be determined about the volume and location of all an atoms mass?

part 3 - class reflection

1. what actually happened

Explanation:

1. In Rutherford's experiment, alpha - particle paths can be drawn based on the fact that most alpha particles pass straight through the atom, some are slightly deflected, and a few are deflected at large angles.
2. According to the plum - pudding model, the atom is a uniform positive charge with electrons embedded in it. Alpha particles, being positively charged, would experience only small deflections as they pass through the uniform positive charge.
3. When an alpha particle collides with the center of the atom (nucleus), it is deflected at a large angle. Since alpha particles are positively charged, the center (nucleus) must also be positively charged as like charges repel.
4. If the outermost dotted line represents the outside of the atom, most of the atom's mass is concentrated in a very small volume at the center (the nucleus), as most alpha particles pass through with little or no deflection, indicating that the mass is not uniformly distributed throughout the atom.

Answer:

1. Draw paths with most going straight, some slightly bent, and a few with large - angle deflections to represent Rutherford's results.
2. Alpha particles experience small deflections as they pass through the uniform positive - charged atom of the plum - pudding model.
3. The alpha particle is deflected at a large angle. The center (nucleus) is positively charged.
4. Most of the atom's mass is concentrated in a small volume at the center (nucleus).