Practice Test

Question 5 • Chemistry

Which diagram best illustrates the atomic model that Rutherford derived from his gold foil experiment?

Answer

Image with description A diagram shows a central small circle containing a minus sign. A larger circular line surrounds this central circle. Three smaller circles, each containing a plus sign, are positioned along this circular line.

Image with description A large circle with an outline. Inside, a plus sign shape is centered. Ten smaller circles, each containing a minus sign, are arranged around the central plus sign shape.

Image with description A large circle with an outline. The word "Atom" is centered inside the circle.

Image with description A diagram shows a central circle containing seven plus signs. Seven smaller circles, each containing a minus sign, are arranged around the central circle. All these elements are enclosed by a larger dashed circular outline.

Explanation

Rutherford’s gold foil experiment showed that an atom has a small, dense, positively charged nucleus, with electrons outside it and mostly empty space in between. Choice D shows positive charges concentrated in a central nucleus and negative electrons around it, so it best represents Rutherford’s model.

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