Rutherfords Experiment - A Simulation

Rutherford Animation
Procedures:
1.

Using the straightened paperclip, probe (poke) the clay ball 25 times and record the total
number of times you hit the object inside the clay ball.

2.

After completing 25 trials open/flatten the clay ball and observe its contents.

3.

Bring the object and the clay ball to the teacher. Once approved place
the object back into the clay and roll the clay back into a ball shape
after you have checked with the teacher.

HYPOTHESES
1. Predict the number of times (out of 25) that you will strike the object inside the clay ball
when you probe it 25 times with the paper clip: ___25___________.
2. Predict the shape of the object inside the clay ball: _______circle___________.
3. Predict the dimensions of the object inside the clay ball: _______small_________.
ACTUAL DATA
1. # of hits ________2___
2. # of misses ___23_______
TOTAL: 25 probes
Summary Questions:
1. What does the clay ball represent?
One atom
2. What does the little ball represent in the atom?
nucleus
Conclusion: What does this experiement show us about the nucleus in an atom?
The Nuclues is very small.