How was it shown that an atom has a lot of empty space within it?
When α-particles are allowed to strike a very thin gold foil, it is found that most of these particles pass through the foil without any deflection. It is observe that one particle in 12000 bounces back.
Thus, Rutherford calculated that the radius of the nucleus is about 105 time less than the radius of the atom. hence, atom has a lot of empty space within it.