Put tick (√) against correct choice and cross (×) against wrong choice:

In Rutherford's gold foil experiment, majority of alpha particles passed directly through the gold foil. This observation leads to which conclusion?

a) The positive region of the atom is very small.

b) The majority of the atom must consist of empty space.

c) The alpha particle makes a direct hit on the positive region.

d) The positive region of the atom is very dense.

a) The positive region of the atom is very small. √

b) The majority of the atom must consist of empty space. √

c) The alpha particle makes a direct hit on the positive region. ×

d) The positive region of the atom is very dense. ×

Explanation:

Option (a): since most of particles passed straight hence we can draw conclusion that positive region of the atom is very small.

Option (b): Most of the alpha particles passed straight through the atom without any deflection this lead to the conclusion that most of the atom consists of empty space. Just like if we throw a small stones (alpha particles) through the fence of considerably big gaps than most of the stones will pass through the gap.

Option (c): Since most of particles passed straight hence we can’t draw conclusion that alpha particle makes a direct hit on the positive region because if it had made direct hit it would have bounced back or changed its direction.

Option (d): since most of particles passed straight hence we can’t draw conclusion that positive region of the atom is very dense.