In Rutherford's gold-foil experiment, it was expected that the α-particles should pass through the sheet of gold foil with little to no deflection. What was observed instead?

• A. All α-particles were deflected at large angles.
• B. All α-particles passed through the sheet of gold foil with little to no deflection.
• C. All α-particles were deflected in the exact opposite direction.
• D. Most of the α-particles passed through the sheet of gold foil with little to no deflection, while a few were deflected at large angles.

Answer: (D)