Question

In rutherford's experiment generally thin foils of heavy atoms like gold , platinum etc. have been used to be bombarded by the alpha-particles.If the thin foils of light atoms like aluminium etc. are used then what difference would be observed from the above result ?

Answer 1

Al is less malleable and ductile as compare to gold. Gold is the most malleable metal in fact. We need a very- very thin sheet of metal so that alpha particles can easily penetrate through the foil. Aluminum sheet if used, will block the path of a particle as they have low penetrating power.

Answer 2

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☛ A thin foil of lighter atoms will not give the same results as given with foil of heavier atoms.

⇛Lighter atoms would be able to carry very little positive charge. Hence they will not cause enough deflection of a-particles.