Rutherford+Experiment+Simulation



Author & Date: Daniel Sinkovits October 5, 2010

Topic/Concept: Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment

Type of Activity: Computer simulation, group work

Prerequisite knowledge: Thomson's model of the atom

Resources required: One computer for each group, or one computer for the class and projected if demoed.

Learning Objectives: To be able to explain how Rutherford's experiment worked. To be able to explain how the results of Rutherford's experiment challenge the Thomson model of the atom. To be able to explain how Rutherford's model of the atom fits the data of Rutherford's experiment.

Common Misconceptions: The most common misconception is that since we cannot see what is happening at the atomic level, that we cannot know how it works through inference. Students are reluctant to use macroscopic ideas at the atomic level.

Detailed Description of Activity: The students are guided through a realistic simulation of Rutherford's gold foil experiment.

Assessment:

Associated files and images:

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