 |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Rutherford: Exploring the Scattering of Alpha Particles
|
||
|
Robert C. Rittenhouse
Walla Walla College, College Place, WA 99324 |
||
|
|
||
|
Note: |
Series B (MS DOS) software previously included on the General Chemistry Collection CD-ROM is now available for free download by Journal of Chemical Education subscribers. |
|
|
|
||
|
Ernest Rutherford's famous alpha particle scattering experiments led to the development of the nuclear model of the atom and therefore represent one of the major milestones in our understanding of the fundamental nature of matter. This simulation permits students to design and implement scattering experiments of the sort performed by Rutherford, Geiger, and Marsden. Radioactive sources and target metals may be selected from available supplies and the detector positioned around the target to record alpha particles scattered at various angles. A version of the Notebook program (1) has been incorporated into the simulation to facilitate exploration and analysis of scattering data. In addition to the scattering laboratory simulation, there are two atomic level simulations designed to let students perform experiments that Rutherford could only have dreamed about. The first of these is called the Trajectory Analyzer because students may use it to explore the scattering interaction between an incident alpha particle and a single atom. Particle energy, impact parameter, and magnification can all be adjusted by the student as part of the experimental design. Students can watch the trajectories develop and measure scattering angle and distance of closest approach to the nucleus. The second atomic level simulation allows students to explore trajectories influenced by multiple atomic nuclei and investigate the effects of particle energy and target thickness (number of atom layers) on the scattering distribution. It is possible, even, to demonstrate single crystal channeling.
The simulation is designed primarily for interactive student use and includes a couple of brief tutorials to provide historical background and some theoretical explanation, if needed. It can also be used in the lecture to demonstrate the essential features of Rutherford's experiment. It is intentionally open ended to give students the freedom to design their own experiments - something not easily done in the conventional laboratory. Hardware and Software Requirements Rutherford requires a MS-DOS/IBM compatible computer with 640K RAM and VGA graphics. An 80286 or better microprocessor, a hard drive, and Microsoft compatible mouse are recommended. Literature Cited |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Updated: April 26, 2001 Created: December 3, 1996 |
Created by: J. L. Holmes Comments to: jceonline@chem.wisc.edu |
|
|
|
| © 1997 Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society. All rights reserved. | |