Question

27 multiple choice 1 point
why is it important that alpha particles and atomic nuclei are both positive when interpreting the results of rutherford’s gold foil experiment?
○ like charges repel.
○ like charges attract.
○ this is only true for millikan’s experiment.
○ this is only true for thompson’s experiment.

Explanation:

In Rutherford’s gold foil experiment, alpha particles (positively charged) and atomic nuclei (positively charged) interact. The principle of electric charges is that like charges repel, unlike charges attract. So when alpha particles approach the nucleus, the repulsion (due to like positive charges) causes some alpha particles to be deflected, which was a key observation in the experiment. The other options are incorrect: like charges do not attract, and this charge interaction is relevant to Rutherford’s, not Millikan’s or Thompson’s experiments.

Answer:

A. Like charges repel.