Think Inside the Box: Recreating Rutherford's Scattering

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simple, cost-effective method to replicate Rutherford's atomic nucleus scattering experiment, enhancing educational access and understanding of nuclear physics fundamentals.

Contribution

It provides a practical, low-cost setup for reproducing Rutherford's experiment using readily available components, suitable for educational purposes.

Findings

Successfully demonstrates alpha particle scattering with accessible materials

Offers an affordable educational tool for nuclear physics demonstrations

Facilitates hands-on learning of atomic structure concepts

Abstract

The Rutherford scattering experiment, conceived by Ernest Rutherford and carried out by Hans Geiger and Ernest Marsden, provided the first direct evidence of a compact atomic nucleus, fundamentally altering the understanding of atomic structure. The original experiment involved directing alpha particles from a radioactive source toward a thin gold foil and observing their deflection using a zinc sulfide scintillation screen. This paper presents an accessible and low-cost approach to reproducing the key features of the Rutherford experiment using commercially available components, offering a practical platform for educational demonstrations and introductory nuclear physics investigations.