Explore the Rutherford Scattering: Discovering the Nucleus
Fire alpha particles at gold atoms and compare the plum pudding and nuclear models. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Rutherford Scattering: Discovering the Nucleus with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Rutherford Scattering: Discovering the Nucleus?
Fire alpha particles at gold atoms and compare the plum pudding and nuclear models. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
The nuclear model led to modern atomic physics, nuclear energy and particle accelerators.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Most alpha particles pass straight through.
A few are deflected by large angles.
This showed a small, dense, positive nucleus.
Compare the two models.
Increase the protons.
Lower the alpha energy to increase deflection.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Atomic & Quantum learners
Advanced high-school and university students in chemistry and physics, and curious learners who want to see how the atomic world behaves.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Rutherford Scattering: Discovering the Nucleus on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Increase the protons. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What did the gold foil experiment show?
Atoms are mostly empty space with a tiny, dense, positively charged nucleus.
Why do alpha particles bounce back?
They are repelled by the positive nucleus when they come very close.
Is the Rutherford Scattering: Discovering the Nucleus free to use?
Yes. The Rutherford Scattering: Discovering the Nucleus is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Atomic & Quantum group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Rutherford Scattering: Discovering the Nucleus work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Rutherford Scattering: Discovering the Nucleus takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 4 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Rutherford Scattering: Discovering the Nucleus?
1. In the Rutherford Scattering: Discovering the Nucleus, use the controls to change Atom model, Protons in nucleus, Alpha energy, Firing rate. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Rutherford Scattering: Discovering the Nucleus, pick an option such as Rutherford atom, Plum pudding to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Rutherford Scattering: Discovering the Nucleus, press "Clear tracks" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Compare the two models. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Rutherford Scattering: Discovering the Nucleus responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Most alpha particles pass straight through.
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Fire alpha particles at gold atoms and compare the plum pudding and nuclear models. Free to use.
Try it free