Alpha Particle Scattering Experiment
Comparing Gold vs Hydrogen Targets
This simulation demonstrates the difference in alpha particle scattering when using gold foil versus solid hydrogen as the target material. Gold nuclei cause large-angle scattering, while hydrogen nuclei (being much lighter) result in minimal deflection.
Experiment Results Comparison
| Parameter | Gold Target | Hydrogen Target |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Mass | ~197 u (heavy) | ~1 u (very light) |
| Maximum Scattering Angle | 180° (backscattering possible) | Small angles (no backscattering) |
| Nucleus Size Measurement | Possible | Not possible |
| Key Observation | Proves atom has dense nucleus | Shows mass affects scattering |
