Which feature was common to both Thomson's and Rutherford's experiments in the development of atomic theory?

• A. They both involved the use of cathode rays.
• B. They both demonstrated that electrons are located in fixed orbits.
• C. They both provided evidence that atoms contain subatomic particles.
• D. They both showed that atoms are indivisible spheres.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of Thomson's and Rutherford's experiments in atomic theory development. Thomson's experiment involved cathode rays and led to the discovery of the electron as a subatomic particle.
2. Step 2: Recognize that Rutherford's gold foil experiment demonstrated the existence of a small, dense nucleus within the atom, providing evidence that atoms contain subatomic particles beyond just electrons.
3. Step 3: Compare the key findings of both experiments: Thomson identified electrons, and Rutherford identified the nucleus, both showing that atoms are made of smaller parts (subatomic particles).
4. Step 4: Analyze the answer choices in light of these findings: Thomson's experiment used cathode rays, but Rutherford's did not; neither experiment showed electrons in fixed orbits; both disproved the idea of atoms as indivisible spheres.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the common feature of both experiments is that they provided evidence that atoms contain subatomic particles.