Rutherford Scattering

This virtual manipulative will help you investigate how Rutherford figured out the structure of the atom without being able to see it. This simulation will allow the you to explore the famous experiment in which Rutherford disproved the Plum Pudding model of the atom by observing alpha particles bouncing off atoms and determining that they must have a small core.
Further explorations of the tutorial could include:

  • Describe the qualitative difference between scattering off positively charged nuclei and electrically neutral plum pudding atoms.
  • For a charged nucleus, describe qualitatively how angle of deflection depends on: energy of incoming particle, impact parameters, and charge of target.
Resource ID#: 51884 Type: Virtual Manipulative
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Direct Link: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/rutherford-scattering

General Information

Subject(s): Science
Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Intended Audience: Educators educators, Students , Parents
Suggested Technology: Java Plugin
Keywords: Quantum Mechanics, Atomic Nuclei, Atomic Structure, Atoms, Alpha particles, Electric changes, Electric force, Rutherford scattering, model
Instructional Component Type(s): Virtual Manipulative
Resource Collection: Games and Simulations

Aligned Standards

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