atomic models have changed over the decades. ...
atomic models have changed over the decades. two early atomic models can be seen here. rutherfords experiments with alpha particles and gold foil significantly shaped his model of the atom. which of these correctly describes a significant difference between these two models? a rutherfords model shows negative charges dispersed throughout the atom. b thomsons model shows negative particles orbiting the central nucleus. c rutherfords model shows a sea of negatively charged particles surrounding a small, positive area. d there is no identifiable difference between these two models.
Answer
# Brief Explanations:
- **Option A**: In Rutherford's model, negative charges (electrons) are not dispersed throughout the atom. Thomson's “plum - pudding” model had negative charges dispersed in a positive “soup”.
- **Option B**: Thomson's model did not have a central nucleus. It was a uniform sphere of positive charge with electrons embedded in it.
- **Option C**: Rutherford's model has a small, dense, positively - charged nucleus (from the alpha - particle scattering results, where most alpha particles passed through, but some were deflected at large angles) and electrons (negatively charged) surrounding the nucleus.
- **Option D**: There are significant differences between the two models.
# Answer:
C. Rutherford's model shows a sea of negatively charged particles surrounding a small, positive area.