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Wave Optics
Question
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Answer the following questions, which help you understand the difference between Thomson's model and Rutherford's model better.
In which model is it completely wrong to ignore multiple scattering for the calculation of average angle of scattering of α-particles by a thin foil?

Answer

In Thomson's model, a single collision causes very little deflection. Multiple scattering has to be taken into account inorder to explain the average angle of scattering. So it is wrong to ignore multiple scattering in Thomson's model.
On the contrary, in Rutherford's model, most of the scattering comes through a single collision and multiple scattering effects can be ignored as a first approximation.

 

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Some More Questions From Wave Optics Chapter

Suppose you are given a chance to repeat the alpha-particle scattering experiment using a thin sheet of solid hydrogen in place of the gold foil. (Hydrogen is a solid at temperatures below 14 K.) What results do you expect?