The Nuclear Model (Also seen in GCSE Physics 2)

Rutherford used these results to make the following conclusions:

Most of the mass must be gathered in one small volume – the nucleus.

They can repel a fast moving alpha particle

The nucleus must be positively charged.

They repel positive alpha particles

Most of the atom is empty space.

Only 1 in 8000 alpha particles are deflected

Negative electrons orbit the nucleus at a large distance from it.

Negative charges are needed to keep the atom neutral