Predictions:

(a) The Rutherford atom consists of a small, positively charged nucleus, resulting in the majority of particles passing through the surrounding empty space without any deflection. The particles that get close to the nucleus will experience deflection because of the repulsion between positive charges. The deflection angle of particles increases as they go closer to the nucleus.

(b)Deflection will still occur for higher energy particles that pass near the nucleus; however, the expected angle of deflection decreases as the particles travel at a faster rate.

(c)In addition to the speed of the particles, the deflection angle is determined by the quantity of protons present in an atom of the element. An element with a smaller nucleus, such as iron, will exhibit less deviation, while an element with a bigger nucleus, such as uranium, will exhibit a greater degree of deviation.

Now test your predictions from (a), (b), and (c). Open the Rutherford Scattering simulation https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/rutherford-scattering/latest/rutherford-scattering_en.html

Select the "Rutherford Atom" tab. Due to the scale of the simulation, it is best to start with a small nucleus, so select "20" for both protons and neutrons, "min" for energy, show traces, and then start firing particles.

1. Does this match your prediction from (a)? If not, explain why the actual path would be that shown in the simulation. Pause or reset, set energy to "max," and start firing particles.

2. Does this match your prediction from (b)? If not, explain the effect of increased energy on the actual path as shown in the simulation. Pause or reset, select "40" for both protons and neutrons, "min" for energy, show traces, and fire away.

3. Does this match your prediction from (c)? If not, explain why the actual path would be that shown in the simulation. Repeat this with larger numbers of protons and neutrons.

4. What generalization can you make regarding the type of atom and effect on the path of particles? Be clear and specific.