Atomic Structure and Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment

Vocabulary terms and definitions focusing on atomic structure, subatomic particles, and Ernest Rutherford's gold foil experiment.

Strong nuclear force

A short-range force that binds protons together, allowing them to remain close to one another in the nucleus despite having like electric charges that repel.

Gold foil experiment

A $1911$ experiment conducted by Ernest Rutherford in which alpha particles bombarded a thin piece of gold foil and occasionally bounced back, revealing a tiny region of positive charge.

Electrons

The particles that compose cathode rays and can be found moving rapidly outside the nucleus.

Volume of the nucleus

A measurement of atomic space that is very small compared with the rest of the atom.

Cathode rays

Rays composed of subatomic particles that are known as electrons.

Nucleus

The term Ernest Rutherford gave to the tiny, dense region of positive charge that deflected alpha particles during his gold foil experiment.