According to the Rutherford model, how is the structure of an atom described?

• A. Atoms consist of a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, with electrons in fixed orbits at specific energy levels.
• B. Atoms have electrons embedded in a positively charged 'pudding' throughout the atom.
• C. Atoms are solid spheres with no internal structure.
• D. Atoms consist of a small, dense, positively charged nucleus surrounded by electrons in mostly empty space.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Rutherford model was developed based on the gold foil experiment, which showed that alpha particles were mostly passing through the foil but some were deflected at large angles.
2. Understand that this experiment led to the conclusion that atoms have a small, dense, positively charged nucleus where most of the mass is concentrated.
3. Recognize that electrons are not embedded in the atom uniformly but instead move around the nucleus, occupying mostly empty space.
4. Contrast this with earlier models, such as the plum pudding model, which suggested electrons were embedded in a positive 'pudding', and the solid sphere model, which assumed no internal structure.
5. Summarize that the Rutherford model describes the atom as having a central nucleus containing protons (and later discovered neutrons), with electrons orbiting around it in mostly empty space.