Rutherford's α-Particle Scattering Experiment.

Edexcel A-level PhysicsRadioactivityLesson 1 of 25

In 1911, Ernest Rutherford carried out an experiment to probe the atom. He directed a narrow beam of α-particles all with the same kinetic energy at a thin gold foil only a few atoms thick. The alpha particles were detected by a detector which could be moved around at a fixed distance from where the alpha particle beam hit the metal foil. A microscope was used to observe the point of light emitted by the α-particles hitting a fluorescent screen.

More in Radioactivity

• Rutherford's Interpretation
• Radioactivity
• Radioactivity Observations
• Geiger Tube
• The nature of α, β and γ Radiation.
• Gamma radiation
• Radioactive Change
• The Dangers of Radioactivity

All 25 lessons in Radioactivity · All Edexcel A-level Physics topics