Image Caption
Ernest Rutherford used alpha particles (helium atoms stripped of their electrons) to learn about the structure of the atom.
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This image is part of a series:
Rutherford and the atom (2 of 4)
By firing alpha particles through gold foil, Rutherford was able to test ideas about the interior of the atom.
Rutherford and the atom (3 of 4)
Most of the alpha particles passed through the gold foil without changing direction much as expected, but some came bouncing back in the opposite direction.