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Rutherford Gold Foil Experiment definitions

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  • Nucleus
    A dense, positively charged center within an atom containing most of its mass, composed of protons and neutrons.
  • Alpha Particle
    A radioactive particle made of two protons and two neutrons, carrying a 2+ charge, often symbolized as 4 over 2 Helium 2+.
  • Gold Foil
    A thin metallic sheet used as a target for bombarding particles to probe atomic structure in a landmark experiment.
  • Detecting Screen
    A device surrounding the target material that reveals the paths of incoming particles by registering their impacts.
  • Radioactive Element
    A substance, such as iridium, that emits energetic particles from its unstable atomic nuclei.
  • Lead Box
    A protective container with an opening, used to direct and shield the emission of radioactive particles.
  • Proton
    A positively charged subatomic particle found within the atomic nucleus, contributing to atomic mass.
  • Neutron
    A neutral subatomic particle located in the nucleus, adding to atomic mass but not affecting charge.
  • Electron
    A negatively charged subatomic particle forming a cloud around the nucleus, balancing atomic charge.
  • Nuclear Model
    A depiction of atomic structure with a dense central core surrounded by a cloud of electrons.
  • Plum Pudding Model
    An outdated atomic theory proposing electrons embedded in a diffuse positive charge, later disproven.
  • Atomic Number
    A value representing the number of protons in an atom, determining its elemental identity.
  • Mass Number
    A sum of protons and neutrons in an atom, indicating its total nuclear particles.
  • Deflection
    A change in the path of a particle due to interaction with a concentrated positive center in an atom.
  • Geiger Marsden Experiment
    An alternative name for the gold foil experiment, highlighting the contributions of Rutherford's assistants.