Radioactivity and Rutherford’s “Gold Foil” Experiment. Alpha ParticleBeta Particle Gamma Ray Click the particle/ray/odd scientist that you would like to learn more about. Ernst Rutherford

Alpha Particles Return Alpha particles are “particles of two protons and two neutrons emitted by a radioactive element” -Dictionary of Science Alpha particles are the weakest of the radioactive particles and can be stopped by something as weak as a piece of standard paper.

Beta Particles Return Beta particles are “An electron…emitted by a radioactive element.” -Dictionary of science Beta particles are the second strongest radioactive particle. They can go through paper, however they are stopped by a 2mm sheet of aluminum.

Gamma Rays Return Gamma rays are “A high-energy ray emitted by a radioactive element.” -Dictionary of Science Gamma Rays are the most powerful of all the emitted radioactive particles/rays. They can pierce a piece of paper, 2mm sheet of aluminum, and your hand. They are blocked by a thick block of lead (10cm thick).

Ernst Rutherford Return Ernst Rutherford conducted an experiment to determine if there was space in-between atoms in a solid. He sent alpha particles through a sheet of gold foil onto a zinc-sulfide screen. Most of the alpha particles flew in a straight line through the gold foil. However, some bounced off of the atoms in the foil landing in different places on the zinc-sulfide screen, thus proving that there is space in-between atoms in a solid object.