From Rutherford's a-particle scattering experiment,

(i) From Rutherford’s a-particle scattering experiment, give the experimental evidence for deriving the conclusion that
(a) most of the space inside the atom is empty.
(b) the nucleus of an atom is positively charged.
(ii) An element has mass number =32 and atomic number = 16, find
(a) the number of neutrons in the atom of the element.
(b) the number of electrons in the outermost shell of the atom.
(iii) On the basis of Rutherford’s model of an atom, which subatomic particle is present in the nucleus of an atom?

(i)(a) As most of the a-particles passed through the gold foil undeflected.
(b) A few of the a-particles which are positively charged, deflected due to the positive charge of nucleus.
(ii)(a) Number of neutrons = Mass number - atomic number =32-16 =16
(b) The electronic configuration of the element will be as follows: 2, 8, 6(K,L,M)
Hence, the number of electrons in outermost shell is 6.
(iii) According to Rutherford’s model of an atom, positively charge protons are present in the nucleus of an atom.