B-particles inappropriate for scattering experiment

[Janiceleong26]

Homework Statement

The results of the α-particle scattering experiment provided evidence for the existence and small size of the nucleus.
The α-particles in this experiment originated from the decay of a radioactive nuclide. Suggest two reasons why β-particles from a radioactive source would be inappropriate for this type of scattering experiment.

2. The attempt at a solution
I thought because they are negatively charged and so they will get attracted to the positive nucleus, and also because they are too small, but they are not acceptable. The answer is that they have a range of energies / they are deviated by orbital electrons/ has small mass .

What effect does having a range of energies have? And also small mass? Why.. And why can't I say they are attracted to the nucleus?

 

[mfb]

What effect does having a range of energies have?

The distribution of scattering angles depends on the energy. If you have a large distribution for this energy, it gets harder to draw conclusions.

And also small mass?

The deflection by orbital electrons, as mentioned.

And why can't I say they are attracted to the nucleus?

You can say that, and it is true, but it would not change the result of the experiment significantly.

 

[Janiceleong26]

The distribution of scattering angles depends on the energy. If you have a large distribution for this energy, it gets harder to draw conclusions.The deflection by orbital electrons, as mentioned.You can say that, and it is true, but it would not change the result of the experiment significantly.

Thanks!