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Rutherford Scattering

How did Rutherford figure out the structure of the atomic nucleus without looking at it? Simulate the famous experiment in which he disproved the Plum Pudding model of the atom by observing alpha particles bouncing off atoms and determining that they must have a small core.

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Version 1.03
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Topics Teaching Ideas Software Requirements Translated Versions Credits

Topics

Main Topics

  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Atomic Nuclei
  • Atomic Structure
  • Atoms
  • Alpha particles
  • Electric Charges
  • Electric Forces
  • Rutherford Scattering
  • Plum Pudding Model

Related Topics

Sample Learning Goals

  • Describe the qualitative difference between scattering off positively charged nucleus and electrically neutral plum pudding atom.
  • For charged nucleus, describe qualitatively how angle of deflection depends on: Energy of incoming particle, Impact parameter, Charge of target

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Teaching Ideas

Tips for Teachers

The teacher's guide contains tips for teachers created by the PhET team (PDF).

Ideas and Activities for this Sim

There are 4 contributions listed.

Ascending Sort (Z-A)Title Author Level Type Updated
Atomic models homework (Inquiry based) Designed by PhET IconImage of Gold StarS. McKaganUG-Intro
UG-Adv		HW11/08
Atomic Structure S. hymesHSLab3/08
Rutherford Scattering Image of Gold StarS. BorensteinMSLab11/08
Rutherford Scattring Simulation Image of Gold StarA. PhillipMSHW11/08

Submit Your Ideas & Activities

Note: The maximum file size is 64M, with a maximum upload of 64M at a time.

Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).

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file(s)
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Check the PhET design guidelines (PDF)

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Software Requirements

Java Icon

Windows Systems Macintosh Systems Linux Systems
Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7
Sun Java 1.5.0_15 or later

 OS 10.4.11 or later
Apple Java 1.5.0_19 or later

 Sun Java 1.5.0_15 or later

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Translated Versions

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Credits

Design Team Third-party Libraries Thanks To
  • Wendy Adams
  • Michael Dubson
  • Chris Malley (developer)
  • Sam McKagan (lead)
  • Kathy Perkins
  • Carl Wieman
  • Interviewer: Sam McKagan
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