Rutherford's experiment , which established the nuclear model of atom used a beam of

Options

A. `beta`particles, which impinged on a metal foil got absorbed
B. `gamma`rays, which impinged on a metal foil and ejected electrons
C. Helium atom, which impinged on a metal foil and got scattered
D. Helium nuclei, which impinged on a metal foil and got scattered

Answer

To solve the question regarding Rutherford's experiment and the type of beam used, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Rutherford's Experiment**:
- Rutherford conducted an experiment to investigate the structure of the atom. He used a thin gold foil and bombarded it with particles to observe how they scattered.

2. **Identifying the Particles Used**:
- The particles that Rutherford used in his experiment were alpha particles. Alpha particles are essentially the nuclei of helium atoms, which consist of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

3. **Clarifying the Options**:
- The question provides several options: beta particles, gamma rays, helium atom, and helium nuclei.
- Beta particles are electrons or positrons and were not used in this experiment.
- Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation and were also not used.
- A helium atom includes electrons, but in the context of Rutherford's experiment, it is more accurate to refer to the nucleus of helium, which is the alpha particle.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer to the question is that Rutherford's experiment used a beam of **helium nuclei** (which are the same as alpha particles).

### Final Answer:
Rutherford's experiment, which established the nuclear model of the atom, used a beam of **helium nuclei**.

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