7
QuizMultiple Choice

The Historical Development of Atomic Theory

Question 7 • SVHS Chemistry 1 $FA

Which statement best summarizes the importance of Ernest Rutherford’s gold foil experiment?

Answer
A
It proved that all of John Dalton’s postulates were true.
B
It verified J. J. Thomson’s work on the atomic structure.
C
It showed that an electron circles a nucleus in a fixed-energy orbit.
D
It showed that a nucleus occupies a small part of the whole atom.

Explanation

In Rutherford’s gold foil experiment, most alpha particles passed through the foil, but a small number were deflected sharply. This showed that atoms are mostly empty space and that their positive charge and mass are concentrated in a tiny nucleus, which occupies only a small part of the atom. Therefore, the best summary is that a nucleus occupies a small part of the whole atom.

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