Stories We Like: Novels For Language Lovers  Rutherford
scattering  noun, Physics. the scattering of an alpha particle
through a large angle with respect to the original direction of
motion of the particle, caused by an atom (Rutherford atom) with
most of the mass and all of the positive electric charge
concentrated at a center or nucleus. Also called alpha-particle
scattering, Rutherford alpha-particle scattering. 1925-30; named
after E. Rutherford Unabridged Cite This Source Rutherford
scattering in Science Rutherford scattering   The scattering
undergone by a stream of heavy charged particles, generally
alpha particles fired at a sample of a heavy metal, caused by
exposure to coulomb forces exerted by the atomic nuclei of the
sample. The patterns produced by such scattering off an
extremely thin sheet of gold were early evidence that atoms
contain a tiny, positively charged core, what is now called the
atomic nucleus. The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Cite
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