Question

What do you think would be the observation if the $\alpha $-particle scattering experiment is carried out using a foil of a metal other than gold?
(A) $\alpha $-particles would deflect by the foil by large angles
(B) Most of the fast moving $\alpha $-particles would not pass straight through the metal foil
(C) There would be no change in the observation
(D) All particles would appear rebound

Answer 1

Hint: Try to understand the $\alpha $-particle scattering experiment through the mechanism. Understand the use of gold foil in the experiment. Now determine the change that would be observed if gold is replaced by any other metal. With this you can conclude with your observations and thus answer the question.

Complete step-by-step answer:
The Rutherford model or the $\alpha $-particle scattering experiment was devised by the New Zealand-born scientist Ernest Rutherford to describe an atom. The new model for the atom, which was based on experimental results, contained new features of a relatively high central positive charge present in a very small volume in comparison to the complete volume of the atom. This region came to be known as nucleus. Rutherford's gold foil experiment was used to determine the nuclear charge of the respective atom by passing a beam of doubly charged helium ions or rather alpha particles. Gold foil is used for the experiment as it is easy to beat into thin sheets due to high malleability properties. If a foil other than gold is used, it shall cause no difference to the final observations of the experiment.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: Rutherford model although proves useful, had its own share of drawbacks. Some are mentioned below:
- The orbital revolution of the electron is not expected to be stable,
- Any particle in a circular orbit would undergo an acceleration and the charged particles would radiate energy
- The revolving electron would lose energy and finally fall into the nucleus.