Rutherford Scattering
Original Sim and Translations |
Topics
- Atomic Nuclei
- Atomic Structure
- Quantum Mechanics
Description
How did Rutherford figure out the structure of the atom without being able to see it? Simulate the famous experiment in which he disproved the Plum Pudding model of the atom by observing alpha particles bouncing off atoms and determining that they must have a small core.
Sample Learning Goals
- Describe the qualitative difference between scattering off positively charged nucleus and electrically neutral plum pudding atom.
- For charged nucleus, describe qualitatively how angle of deflection depends on: Energy of incoming particle, Impact parameter, Charge of target
Keywords
Teacher Tips
Overview of sim controls, model simplifications, and insights into student thinking ( PDF ). |
Teacher-Submitted Activities
Title | Authors | Level | Type | Subject | ||
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Atomic models homework (Inquiry based) | Sam McKagan, Kathy Perkins and Carl Wieman | UG-Adv UG-Intro |
HW | Physics Chemistry |
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Alignment of PhET sims with NGSS | Trish Loeblein | HS | Other | Chemistry Earth Science Physics Biology |
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Mapping of PhET and IBDP Physics | Jaya Ramchandani | HS | Other | Physics | ||
Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment | David Pepple | MS HS |
Lab | Chemistry Physics |
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Preguntas de razonamiento para todas las simulaciones HTML5 | Diana López | MS UG-Adv HS UG-Intro Grad K-5 |
Discuss HW |
Physics Chemistry Astronomy Mathematics |
Browse legacy activities.
The new HTML5 sims can run on iPads and Chromebooks, as well as PC, Mac, and Linux systems.
iPad:
iOS 11+ Safari
iPad compatible sims
Android:
Not officially supported. If you are using the HTML5 sims on Android, we recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome.
Chromebook:
Latest version of Google Chrome
The HTML5 and Flash PhET sims are supported on all Chromebooks.
Chromebook compatible sims
Windows Systems:
Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer 11, latest version of Firefox, latest version of Google Chrome.
Macintosh Systems:
macOS 10.9.5+, Safari 9+, latest version of Chrome.
Linux Systems:
Not officially supported. Please contact phethelp@colorado.edu with troubleshooting issues.
Design Team | Third-party Libraries | Thanks To |
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