Question

Answer the following question, which help you understand the difference between Thomson’s model and Rutherford’s model better.

In which model is it completely wrong to ignore multiple scattering for the calculation of average angle of scattering of α-particles by a thin foil?

Answer 1

Thomson’s model

It is wrong to ignore multiple scattering in Thomson’s model for the calculation of the average angle of scattering of α­−particles by a thin foil. This is because a single collision causes a very little deflection in this model. Hence, the observed average scattering angle can be explained only by considering multiple scattering.