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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > April  >
In the Classroom
JCE DigiDemos: Tested Demonstrations
Turning Plastic Into Gold: An Analogy To Demonstrate the Rutherford Gold Foil Experiment
Robert B. Gregory
Department of Chemistry, Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499

checked by Ed Vitz
Department of Chemistry, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA 19530

Cover
April 2007
Vol. 84 No. 4
p. 626

Abstract
An in-class demonstration designed to be an analogy to the Rutherford–Geiger–Marsden gold foil experiment is described. A laser pointer, two picture frames, and a sheet of plastic are all that is required to perform the demonstration. The demonstration is presented in two stages, (i) representing what Rutherford expected his researchers to find and (ii) then representing what they actually found. The demonstration can be used to stimulate a discussion of the way that scientific theory changes as new knowledge advances the state of the art and of the way that discrepant events often result in new insight into science and nature.
More Information
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Citation
Gregory, Robert B. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 626.
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Keywords
Analogies / Transfer; Atomic Properties / Structure; Demonstrations; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Gold; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; History / Philosophy; Lasers; Metals; Misconceptions / Discrepant Events; Physical Chemistry
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
3/6/2007
3/6/2007
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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