Rutherford Scattering model geometry

Thread starter thegirl
Start date Mar 28, 2015
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Angles Cross section Geometry Model Rutherford Rutherford scattering Scattering Trignometry

In summary, the Rutherford Scattering model is a theoretical model developed by Ernest Rutherford in 1911 to describe the behavior of alpha particles passing through a thin gold foil. It explains that the atom consists of a small, dense, positively charged nucleus surrounded by orbiting negatively charged electrons. This model provided the first evidence for the existence of a small, dense nucleus in the atom and paved the way for our understanding of subatomic particles. It differs from the previous Thompson model by proposing a small, positively charged nucleus with orbiting electrons. However, it has limitations in explaining the stability of the atom, the exact arrangement of electrons, and the behavior of subatomic particles at high energies, and does not take into account quantum mechanics.

Mar 28, 2015

thegirl

Hi,

I was just wondering if someone could help clarify how pi - theta = phi?

That is the link to the youtube video I was watching, the guys pretty good check him out if you want to learn how to derive the differential scattering cross section.

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Mar 28, 2015

Jonathan Yang

He is just looking at the case when phi + theta = pi radians

Mar 28, 2015

thegirl

Thank You

When would that be? when the scattering angle is really big?

1. What is the Rutherford Scattering model geometry?

The Rutherford Scattering model geometry is a theoretical model developed by scientist Ernest Rutherford in 1911 to describe the behavior of alpha particles as they pass through a thin gold foil. It states that the atom consists of a small, dense, positively charged nucleus surrounded by orbiting negatively charged electrons.

2. How does the Rutherford Scattering model explain the results of the gold foil experiment?

The Rutherford Scattering model explains that most of the alpha particles pass straight through the gold foil, while a small percentage are deflected at large angles. This is due to the fact that the positive charge of the alpha particles is repelled by the positive charge of the nucleus as they pass through the foil.

3. What is the significance of the Rutherford Scattering model in modern physics?

The Rutherford Scattering model is significant because it provided the first evidence for the existence of a small, dense nucleus in the atom. This model also paved the way for the development of the modern atomic model and our understanding of subatomic particles.

4. How does the Rutherford Scattering model differ from the previous Thompson model of the atom?

The Thompson model proposed that the atom was made up of a positively charged sphere with embedded electrons. The Rutherford Scattering model, on the other hand, proposed that the atom consisted of a small, positively charged nucleus with orbiting electrons.

5. Are there any limitations to the Rutherford Scattering model?

Yes, the Rutherford Scattering model has some limitations. It does not explain the stability of the atom, the exact arrangement of electrons around the nucleus, or the behavior of subatomic particles at high energies. It also does not take into account the effects of quantum mechanics.