The scattering of alpha particles by a thin metal foil can be described by the analogy "like a missile shot through our solar system." If the missile represents an alpha particle,what do planets in our solar system represent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Just like how the alpha particle (missile) is scattered by the metal foil, the planets in our solar system represent the nuclei of the atoms in the metal foil that scatter the alpha particle.

The Scattering of Alpha Particles by a Thin Metal Foil