Simulation Lab / Alpha Scattering Lab
Alpha Scattering Lab
Fire alpha particles through two models of the atom. Compare their paths, collect scattering evidence, and discover what it reveals about the nucleus.
Interactive investigation5054 · 2026-2028 · v1.0.0
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Try this investigation
- Predict what most alpha particles should do in the plum pudding model, then fire one particle.
- Choose Compare both and run a random beam of at least 100 particles. Both models receive the same incident particles.
- Use Near-nucleus example to observe a large deflection. Explain why an aimed example cannot establish how frequent that event is.
- Compare the angle distributions. Explain what straight paths, small deflections and backscattering suggest about the atom.
What the evidence tells us
Most alpha particles pass through with little deflection. Rare large deflections support a very small, concentrated, positively charged nucleus containing most of the atom’s mass.