MTEL Physics Practice Exam

Category - Physics

Which of the following describes the primary significance of Rutherford's alpha-scattering experiments?
  1. They developed the concept of the half-life of a radioactive element.
  2. They created new radioactive isotopes by nuclear bombardment.
  3. They changed one atomic element into another through nuclear reactions.
  4. They demonstrated the existence of a small, dense, positively charged atomic nucleus.
Explanation
 Correct Response: D. The scattering of the alpha particles that were used to bombard a thin sheet of gold foil demonstrated the existence of a small, dense, positively charged atomic nucleus. Although Rutherford did develop the concept of half-life of a radioactive element (A), the alpha-scattering experiments did not contribute to the development of that concept. Creation of new radioactive isotopes by nuclear bombardment (B) is incorrect because Rutherford's alpha-scattering experiments had nothing to do with creating new isotopes. Changing one atomic element into another through nuclear reactions (C) is incorrect because Rutherford's alpha-scattering experiments had nothing to do with changing one atomic element into another. 
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