Rutherford model: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As	planetary model of the atom • nuclear atom • Rutherford atomic model

Photos and Videos

Diagram of the Rutherford atomic model for a neon atom, showing electrons orbiting a central nucleus. An inset magnifies the nucleus, depicting clustered protons and neutrons.

Diagram illustrating the Rutherford gold-foil experiment, showing a beam of alpha particles directed at a thin gold foil with detectors arranged in an arc to observe scattering patterns. The inset explains how most alpha particles pass through with little deflection while some are deflected at small or large angles, consistent with Rutherford's atomic model where a dense nucleus causes scattering.

Niels Bohr's contribution to atomic theory explained

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Topics

atom Bohr model shell atomic model Thomson atomic model subatomic particle radioactivity Atomism isotope periodic table magnetic resonance fundamental force

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atom: Rutherford’s nuclear model

Key People

Ernest Rutherford

Ernest Rutherford

British physicist

atom. Orange and green illustration of protons and neutrons creating the nucleus of an atom.

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