The scientist who is credited with the discovery of ‘nucleus’ in an atom is:
(A) Niels Bohr
(B) Rutherford
(C) J.J. Thomson
(D) Balmer
Answer
300.6k+ views
Hint Atoms are electrically neutral, the positive charge on the nucleus is equal to the total negative charge of all the orbiting electrons. Geiger and Marsden did experiments and found that some of the alpha particles are deviated rather than going straight. This led to the well-known gold foil experiment, which led to the discovery of the nucleus.
Complete Step-by-step solution
The concept of the nucleus in an atom is the most important contribution of scientist Rutherford and his model is a landmark in the development of the modern atomic theory.
An experiment was performed by Geiger and Madsen. In this experiment, a narrow beam of alpha particles from a radioactive source was incident on the gold foil. The scattered alpha particles were detected by a detector fixed at a rotating stand. The whole setup is evacuated in the chamber. They observed the number of alpha particles as a function of the scattering angle. The deviation of alpha particles from their original direction is the scattering angle. It is observed that most of the alpha particles passed undeviated and only a few are scattering. This anomalous behavior seemed interesting to Rutherford and based on observations made by Geiger and Madsen, he proposed his atomic model. He said that a large scattering angle is possible only because alpha particles are repelled by a massive positive charge in a very small space. He called this massive center a nucleus.
By studying the scattering of alpha particles and the trajectory of the scattered alpha particle, he determined the size of the nucleus which is ${10^{ - 15}}$ to ${10^{ - 14}}$ meter. The size of the nucleus is found $100000$ times smaller than the size of an atom. According to Rutherford, the atom has a tiny positively charged core called a nucleus. The total charge and mass are included in the nucleus only. The nucleus is surrounded by negatively charged electrons orbiting around the nucleus in circular orbits.
Hence, the correct option is (B) Rutherford.
Note Up to $1897$, it was believed that atoms were invisible until J.J. Thomson discovered electrons. He showed that electrons have a negative charge on it. After that Rutherford came with the nucleus theory. But his theory was unable to explain the hydrogen spectrum. One of the series of hydrogen spectrum was explained by Balmer. Neils Bohr, in $1913$ modified the theory of Rutherford.
Complete Step-by-step solution
The concept of the nucleus in an atom is the most important contribution of scientist Rutherford and his model is a landmark in the development of the modern atomic theory.
An experiment was performed by Geiger and Madsen. In this experiment, a narrow beam of alpha particles from a radioactive source was incident on the gold foil. The scattered alpha particles were detected by a detector fixed at a rotating stand. The whole setup is evacuated in the chamber. They observed the number of alpha particles as a function of the scattering angle. The deviation of alpha particles from their original direction is the scattering angle. It is observed that most of the alpha particles passed undeviated and only a few are scattering. This anomalous behavior seemed interesting to Rutherford and based on observations made by Geiger and Madsen, he proposed his atomic model. He said that a large scattering angle is possible only because alpha particles are repelled by a massive positive charge in a very small space. He called this massive center a nucleus.
By studying the scattering of alpha particles and the trajectory of the scattered alpha particle, he determined the size of the nucleus which is ${10^{ - 15}}$ to ${10^{ - 14}}$ meter. The size of the nucleus is found $100000$ times smaller than the size of an atom. According to Rutherford, the atom has a tiny positively charged core called a nucleus. The total charge and mass are included in the nucleus only. The nucleus is surrounded by negatively charged electrons orbiting around the nucleus in circular orbits.
Hence, the correct option is (B) Rutherford.
Note Up to $1897$, it was believed that atoms were invisible until J.J. Thomson discovered electrons. He showed that electrons have a negative charge on it. After that Rutherford came with the nucleus theory. But his theory was unable to explain the hydrogen spectrum. One of the series of hydrogen spectrum was explained by Balmer. Neils Bohr, in $1913$ modified the theory of Rutherford.
Recently Updated Pages
If the magnetizing field on a ferromagnetic material class 12 physics JEE_Main

A point charge is placed at the corner of a cube The class 12 physics JEE_Main

What changes occur if the monochromatic light used class 12 physics JEE_Main

The unit of specific conductance is A Ohm B Ohmmetre class 12 physics JEE_Main

Which lens is used in magnifying glass A Concave lens class 12 physics JEE_Main

Sir C V Raman won the Nobel Prize in which year A 1928 class 12 physics JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

How to Convert a Galvanometer into an Ammeter or Voltmeter

Other Pages
CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2026: Download SET-wise PDF with Answer Key & Analysis

JEE Advanced Percentile vs Marks 2026: JEE Main Cutoff, AIR & IIT Admission Guide

Understanding Uniform Acceleration in Physics

Hybridisation in Chemistry – Concept, Types & Applications

Effective Nuclear Charge for JEE

Understanding Elastic Collisions in Two Dimensions

