I keep getting “Rutherford scattering and nuclear atom” questions wrong in Atoms. What's the trap?
claiming Rutherford's model explains atomic stability or line spectra.
The usual trap: claiming Rutherford's model explains atomic stability or line spectra. How to avoid it: Rutherford found the nucleus; Bohr addressed stable energies. Go back to the definition — Most alpha particles pass through foil because atoms are mostly empty space; rare large deflections show that positive charge and most mass occupy a tiny nucleus.
Key point
Rutherford scattering and nuclear atom
Common mistake
claiming Rutherford's model explains atomic stability or line spectra.
Memory tip
Rutherford found the nucleus; Bohr addressed stable energies.
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