Statement I: The positively charged nucleus of an atom has a radius of almost $10^{-15} \mathrm{~m}$

Question

Statement I: The positively charged nucleus of an atom has a radius of almost $10^{-15} \mathrm{~m}$. \Statement II: In $\alpha$-particle scattering experiment, the distance of closest approach for $\alpha$-particles is $10^{-15} \mathrm{~m}$.

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

(a) : In $\alpha$-particle scattering experiment, Rutherford found a small number of $\alpha$-particles which were scattered back through an angle approaching to $180^{\circ}$. This is possible only if the positive charges are concentrated at the centre or nucleus of the atom.