What was concluded about the structure of the atom as the result of the gold foil experiment? 1) a positively charged nucleus is surrounded by positively charged particles. 2) a positively charged nucleus is surrounded by mostly empty space. 3) a negatively charged nucleus is surrounded by positively charged particles. 4) a negatively charged nucleus is surrounded by mostly empty space.

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Chemistry

Marilyn Prince

3 March, 19:03

What was concluded about the structure of the atom as the result of the gold foil experiment? 1) a positively charged nucleus is surrounded by positively charged particles. 2) a positively charged nucleus is surrounded by mostly empty space. 3) a negatively charged nucleus is surrounded by positively charged particles. 4) a negatively charged nucleus is surrounded by mostly empty space.

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William Newman · Answer 1

It's 2) a positively-charged nucleus is surrounded by mostly empty space (aka Rutherford's Model).

Most of the atom's mass is inside the nucleus (which contains protons [+] and neutrons [0 charge]), while the electrons [-] "float" around the nucleus like clouds. This is why it's said that the atom is 'mostly empty space'.