Rutherford's scattering experiment is related to the size of the

Options

A. nucleus
B. atom
C. electrons
D. neutrons

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Experiment**: Rutherford's alpha particle scattering experiment involved bombarding a thin gold foil with alpha particles (which are positively charged helium nuclei).

2. **Setup of the Experiment**: The apparatus consisted of a source of alpha particles, which were emitted from a radioactive material. These alpha particles were directed towards a thin sheet of gold foil.

3. **Observations**: When the alpha particles struck the gold foil, several outcomes were observed:
- Some alpha particles passed straight through the foil without any deflection.
- Some alpha particles were deflected at small angles.
- A very small fraction of alpha particles were bounced back (scattered at angles greater than 90 degrees).

4. **Conclusions Drawn**:
- The fact that most alpha particles passed through the foil indicated that atoms are mostly empty space.
- The deflections and backscattering of some alpha particles suggested the presence of a dense, positively charged center within the atom, which was later termed the nucleus.

5. **Size of the Nucleus**: From the scattering patterns, Rutherford concluded that the nucleus is very small compared to the overall size of the atom. The nucleus contains most of the atom's mass but occupies a tiny volume.

6. **Final Answer**: The Rutherford scattering experiment is related to the size of the **nucleus** of the atom.