Rutherford Scattering - Quantum Mechanics | Atomic Structure | Atomic Nuclei - PhET Interactive Simulations
How did Rutherford figure out the structure of the atom without being able to see it? Simulate the famous experiment in which he disproved the Plum Pudding model of the atom by observing alpha particles bouncing off atoms and determining that they must have a small core.
Overview
Added
March 18, 2026
Subject & domain
physics · quantum-mechanics
Grade range
Grade 9 (Freshman)–Grade 12 (Senior)
Page kind
Tool
Introduction
Rutherford Scattering Simulation Overview
- Core Objective: Understand how Ernest Rutherford determined atomic structure without direct observation.
- Historical Context: The simulation recreates the famous experiment that disproved the "Plum Pudding" model of the atom.
- Experimental Mechanism: Users observe alpha particles interacting with atoms.
- Key Discovery: The experiment demonstrates that alpha particles bounce off atoms due to the presence of a small, dense core (the nucleus).
- Educational Purpose: PhET interactive simulation designed to visualize the transition from the Plum Pudding model to the nuclear model of the atom.
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