Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam

Who is known for conducting the gold foil experiment?

1. Albert Einstein

2. Ernest Rutherford

3. John Dalton

4. Niels Bohr

The correct answer is: Ernest Rutherford

The gold foil experiment is famously associated with Ernest Rutherford, who conducted this experiment in 1909. The primary objective of the experiment was to probe the structure of the atom. In this experiment, Rutherford directed a beam of alpha particles at a very thin foil made of gold. By observing how the particles scattered after hitting the foil, he was able to draw significant conclusions about the atom's structure. Rutherford discovered that most alpha particles passed through the foil with little to no deflection, indicating that atoms are mostly empty space. However, a small fraction of the particles were deflected at large angles, which suggested the presence of a small, dense nucleus at the center of the atom. This was a groundbreaking discovery that led to the nuclear model of the atom, replacing the earlier plum pudding model proposed by J.J. Thomson. In contrast, the other individuals mentioned are known for different scientific contributions. Albert Einstein is recognized for his theories of relativity, John Dalton is known for his atomic theory and work in chemistry, and Niels Bohr contributed significantly to our understanding of atomic structure and quantum mechanics. Thus, Rutherford's association with the gold foil experiment is pivotal in the field of modern physics and our understanding of atomic structure.