Some alpha particles fired at a gold foil bounced backward as a result of
A)reflection from the surfaces of gold atoms.
B)electrostatic repulsion by gold nuclei.
C)electrostatic repulsion by electrons within gold atoms.
D)all of the above
E)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The alpha particles bounce backward because of electrostatic repulsion by the positively charged gold nuclei. The reflection from the surfaces of gold atoms and the electrostatic repulsion by electrons within gold atoms are not strong enough to cause such a significant deflection.

Some Alpha Particles Fired at a Gold Foil Bounced Backward