PURPOSE: To show Rutherford Scattering of alpha particles by the atoms in gold foil.
DESCRIPTION: This experiment is shown to the class as a video movie from a laser disc. In the video, the experimental arrangment is seen where an alpha emitter, a detector, and a foil are used. The emitter shoots alpha rays at the foil. A detector is positioned at various angles to detect the scattering. The general idea is shown in the animated gif above, but this oversimplified gif is for web illustration purposes only, and is not from the actual laser disc.
EQUIPMENT: Physics Cinema Classics laser disc.