Physics A-Level
Rutherford scattering
What Rutherford scattering means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Rutherford scattering
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Rutherford scattering in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Alpha particles are directed at a very thin gold foil inside an evacuated chamber, and a detector records where particles arrive.
Topics that use Rutherford scattering
- The nuclear atom (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Atomic and nuclear density
- Atomic and nuclear dimensions
- Atomic structure
- Charge and neutrality
- Evidence from scattering
- Force-separation relationship
- Isotopes
- Nuclear notation
Using Rutherford scattering in the exam
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