Rutherford's experiment alpha source

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Rutherford's experiment involved the scattering of alpha particles by gold foil within an evacuated container to ensure accurate results. The absence of other atoms allowed for clear observation of how gold atoms deflected the alpha particles. This setup was crucial in establishing that the deflections were due to interactions with gold atoms, leading to the development of the nuclear model of the atom. The findings provided significant evidence for the existence of a dense atomic nucleus. Overall, the controlled environment was essential for the validity of Rutherford's conclusions.
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Rutherford investigated the scattering of alpha particles by gold foil in an evacuated container. The evidence from his investigations led to the nuclear model of the atom.

Why was it important for this investigation that the alpha source was inside the container?
 
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Masafi said:
Rutherford investigated the scattering of alpha particles by gold foil in an evacuated container. The evidence from his investigations led to the nuclear model of the atom.

Why was it important for this investigation that the alpha source was inside the container?
Rutherford wanted to see how the alpha particles were deflected by the gold atoms. If there were other atoms between the alpha particles and the gold atoms, how would he know that the gold atoms were causing the deflection of the alpha particles that he observed?

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
Rutherford wanted to see how the alpha particles were deflected by the gold atoms. If there were other atoms between the alpha particles and the gold atoms, how would he know that the gold atoms were causing the deflection of the alpha particles that he observed?

AM

Thanks :)
 

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