Rutherford's Atomic Revelation: The Nuclear Model

Rutherford proposed an atomic model where most of the atom is empty space, with a dense nucleus at the center containing all positive charge and mass. Electrons orbit the nucleus in circular paths, similar to planets around the sun, leading to the planetary model analogy. The atom is electrically neutral as the number of electrons equals the positive charge of the nucleus. Strong electrostatic attractions hold electrons and the nucleus together. The atom's stability is due to the balance of centripetal and centrifugal forces acting on the electrons.

What did Rutherford conclude about the space within an atom?

• Most of the atom is empty space.

• The atom is a solid mass.

• The atom is mostly filled with protons.

• Most of the atom is filled with electrons.

How does the size of the nucleus compare to the size of the entire atom?

• The nucleus is 10 times smaller than the atom.

• The nucleus is 100 times smaller than the atom.

• The nucleus is 100,000 times smaller than the atom.

• The nucleus is 10,000 times smaller than the atom.

What analogy did Rutherford use to describe the movement of electrons around the nucleus?

• Electrons move like cars on a highway.

• Electrons move like planets around the sun.

• Electrons move like boats on a river.

• Electrons move like birds in the sky.

According to Rutherford, why is an atom electrically neutral?

• The number of protons is greater than the number of electrons.

• The number of electrons is greater than the number of protons.

• The number of neutrons equals the number of electrons.

• The number of electrons equals the number of protons.

What ensures the stability of an atom according to Rutherford?

• The balance between gravitational and magnetic forces.

• The balance between centripetal and centrifugal forces.

• The balance between nuclear and electric forces.

• The balance between thermal and mechanical forces.