CUET UG Physics Booster Test 3- Rutherford Nuclear Model
📌 Answers are locked once submitted — results and explanations appear at the end.
QUESTION 1 OF 20
If the dimensions of the solar system had the same proportions as those of the atom (radius of orbit to nucleus is 10⁵), and the radius of the sun is 7 × 10⁸ m, what would be the scaled radius of the earth's orbit?
QUESTION 2 OF 20
Match List I (Atomic vs Solar System) with List II (Forces & Ratios)
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Planet-sun primary force | a. Coulomb electrostatic force |
| 2. Electron-nucleus primary force | b. Gravitational force |
| 3. Atom orbit-to-nucleus ratio | c. ~10⁵ times the core radius |
| 4. Earth actual orbit-to-sun ratio | d. ~200 times the core radius |
QUESTION 3 OF 20
Rutherford argued that to physically deflect an incoming high-speed alpha particle by a large angle
QUESTION 4 OF 20
Positive core interaction statements
1. An incoming alpha particle can get very close to the positive charge without penetrating it.
2. The alpha particle penetration directly results in a large angle deflection.
3. The intense electric field of the concentrated core scatters the alpha particle.
4. The atomic electrons do not appreciably affect the alpha particle's trajectory.
QUESTION 5 OF 20
The magnitude of the electrostatic force F between an alpha particle and a gold nucleus is mathematically given by
QUESTION 6 OF 20
Incorrect statement about the force balance in a dynamically stable hydrogen atom
QUESTION 7 OF 20
Correct statements concerning the impact parameter and trajectory
1. A given beam of alpha particles inherently has a distribution of impact parameters.
2. A small impact parameter directly results in a small angle of deflection.
3. A large impact parameter results in nearly undeviated alpha particle trajectories.
4. The classical trajectory is computed by employing Newton's second law and Coulomb's law.
QUESTION 8 OF 20
During the mathematical computation of the scattering of an alpha particle by a single gold nucleus
QUESTION 9 OF 20
For a beam of alpha particles passing through a thin metal foil, the observed frequencies of zero/small deflection and large deflection (>90°) are respectively:
QUESTION 10 OF 20
In a head-on collision, if the initial kinetic energy K of the alpha particle is given, the distance of closest approach d will mathematically vary as:
QUESTION 11 OF 20
Initial kinetic energy and approach statements
1. The maximum kinetic energy of a 7.7 MeV alpha particle is mathematically equivalent to 1.2 × 10⁻¹² J.
2. Increasing the initial kinetic energy proportionally increases the distance of closest approach.
3. At the stopping point, the initial mechanical kinetic energy is completely transformed into potential energy.
4. The initial mechanical energy is entirely kinetic before the particle and nucleus interact.
QUESTION 12 OF 20
At the critical moment an alpha particle momentarily stops and reverses its direction during a head-on collision
QUESTION 13 OF 20
If an alpha particle of initial kinetic energy K = 8.0 × 10⁻¹³ J approaches a gold nucleus (Z = 79), calculate the distance of closest approach d.
(1/4πε₀ = 9.0 × 10⁹ N m²/C², e = 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C)
QUESTION 14 OF 20
The discrepancy between the theoretical distance of closest approach and the actual radius of the gold nucleus indicates that
QUESTION 15 OF 20
Correct statements about the total energy in a dynamically stable orbit
1. The total energy E is the algebraic sum of kinetic K and potential U energies.
2. The total energy is mathematically given by -e²/(8πε₀r).
3. The total energy is strictly positive for a closed stable orbit.
4. The negative sign physically signifies that the electron is bound to the nucleus.
QUESTION 16 OF 20
If the orbital radius of an electron in a hydrogen atom is r, the orbital velocity v can be analytically represented as:
QUESTION 17 OF 20
Incorrect statement regarding the kinetic energy of an orbital electron
QUESTION 18 OF 20
Match List I (Energy properties) with List II (Analytical Expressions)
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Total Energy (E) | a. -e²/(4πε₀r) |
| 2. Kinetic Energy (K) | b. U = 2E |
| 3. Potential Energy (U) | c. e²/(8πε₀r) |
| 4. Relation between U and E | d. -e²/(8πε₀r) |
QUESTION 19 OF 20
If the total energy E of an orbiting electron were somehow made zero or positive
QUESTION 20 OF 20
For an electron carefully evaluated in a bound state versus an unbound state, the total energy signs are respectively:
Test Complete!
Answer Review
1 If the dimensions of the solar system had the same proportions as those of the atom (radius of orbit to nucleus is 10⁵), and the radius of the sun is 7 × 10⁸ m, what would be the scaled radius of the earth's orbit?
�� Atomic ratio ≈ 10⁵. �� Sun radius = 7 × 10⁸ m. �� Multiply to obtain scaled orbit radius.
Using the atomic proportion: Orbit radius = 10⁵ × (Sun radius) = 10⁵ × 7 × 10⁸ = 7 × 10¹³ m Therefore, option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Actual Earth orbit radius, not scaled value.
- �� Option C → Uses incorrect scaling factor.
- �� Option D → Incorrect numerical result.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Apply the given proportional relationship directly.
Final Logic:
- 10⁵ × 7 × 10⁸ = 7 × 10¹³ m.
Atomic Ratio = 10⁵
2 Match List I (Atomic vs Solar System) with List II (Forces & Ratios)
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Planet-sun primary force | a. Coulomb electrostatic force |
| 2. Electron-nucleus primary force | b. Gravitational force |
| 3. Atom orbit-to-nucleus ratio | c. ~10⁵ times the core radius |
| 4. Earth actual orbit-to-sun ratio | d. ~200 times the core radius |
�� Gravity governs planets. �� Coulomb force governs atoms. �� Atomic size ratio is much larger.
1 → b : Planetary motion is governed by gravity. 2 → a : Electron motion is governed by electrostatic attraction. 3 → c : Atomic orbit radius is about 10⁵ times nuclear size. 4 → d : Earth's orbit is about 200 times the Sun's radius. Therefore, option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Reverses gravitational and electrostatic forces.
- �� Option C → Incorrect ratio assignments.
- �� Option D → Reverses force assignments.
Used
- Option Grouping
Application:
- Match each system with its governing force and scale.
Final Logic:
- Only option A correctly matches all pairs.
Planet → Gravity, Atom → Coulomb
3 Rutherford argued that to physically deflect an incoming high-speed alpha particle by a large angle
�� Large deflections require strong forces. �� Strong forces require concentrated charge. �� Rutherford proposed the nucleus.
A large-angle deflection can occur only if the positive charge and most of the atomic mass are concentrated in a tiny central region. This produces the intense electric field needed to repel alpha particles strongly. Therefore, option B is correct.
- �� Option A → Thomson's model failed to explain large deflections.
- �� Option C → Electrons are too light.
- �� Option D → Large impact parameters produce small deflections.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Identify the condition required for strong scattering.
Final Logic:
- Large-angle scattering requires concentrated positive charge.
Big Scatter → Tiny Nucleus
4 Positive core interaction statements
1. An incoming alpha particle can get very close to the positive charge without penetrating it.
2. The alpha particle penetration directly results in a large angle deflection.
3. The intense electric field of the concentrated core scatters the alpha particle.
4. The atomic electrons do not appreciably affect the alpha particle's trajectory.
�� Alpha particles do not enter the nucleus. �� Strong nuclear field causes scattering. �� Electron effect is negligible.
Statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct. An alpha particle can approach very close to the nucleus and be strongly repelled without penetrating it. The intense electric field causes scattering, while electrons contribute negligibly. Statement 2 is incorrect because penetration is not required for large-angle deflection.
- �� Option A → Includes statement 2.
- �� Option B → Includes statement 2.
- �� Option C → Includes statement 2.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Identify the incorrect statement regarding scattering.
Final Logic:
- Large deflection occurs without nuclear penetration.
Close, Not Inside
5 The magnitude of the electrostatic force F between an alpha particle and a gold nucleus is mathematically given by
�� Alpha particle charge = +2e. �� Gold nucleus charge = +Ze. �� Apply Coulomb's law.
Using Coulomb's law: F = (1 / 4πε₀) × [(2e)(Ze)] / r² F = 2Ze² / (4πε₀r²) Therefore, option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Missing factor 2.
- �� Option C → Missing one factor of e.
- �� Option D → Incorrect coefficient.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Substitute charges into Coulomb's law.
Final Logic:
- (+2e)(+Ze) gives 2Ze².
2e × Ze = 2Ze²
6 Incorrect statement about the force balance in a dynamically stable hydrogen atom
�� Electron and nucleus attract each other. �� Force points toward the nucleus. �� Centripetal force is inward.
The electrostatic force between the positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electron is attractive and directed toward the nucleus. Therefore, option C is correct.
- �� Option A → Correct statement.
- �� Option B → Correct centripetal force expression.
- �� Option D → Correct force-balance equation.
Used
- Odd One Out
Application:
- Check force direction.
Final Logic:
- Attractive force must point inward.
Electron → Pulled Inward
7 Correct statements concerning the impact parameter and trajectory
1. A given beam of alpha particles inherently has a distribution of impact parameters.
2. A small impact parameter directly results in a small angle of deflection.
3. A large impact parameter results in nearly undeviated alpha particle trajectories.
4. The classical trajectory is computed by employing Newton's second law and Coulomb's law.
�� Impact parameters vary. �� Large impact parameter gives small scattering. �� Newton and Coulomb laws are used.
Statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct. A beam naturally contains a range of impact parameters. Large impact parameters produce very small deflections. Rutherford trajectories are calculated using Coulomb's law and Newton's second law. Statement 2 is incorrect because small impact parameters generally produce large deflections.
- �� Option A → Includes statement 2.
- �� Option C → Includes statement 2.
- �� Option D → Includes statement 2.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Relate impact parameter to scattering angle.
Final Logic:
- Small b → Large θ; Large b → Small θ.
Small b, Big θ
8 During the mathematical computation of the scattering of an alpha particle by a single gold nucleus
�� Gold nucleus is much heavier. �� Approximation simplifies calculations. �� Motion of nucleus is neglected.
The gold nucleus is approximately 50 times heavier than the alpha particle. Therefore, Rutherford's analysis treats it as stationary while calculating the alpha-particle trajectory. Hence, option C is correct.
- �� Option A → Not assumed in Rutherford theory.
- �� Option B → Trajectory depends on more than mass and charge.
- �� Option D → Interaction remains electrostatic.
Used
- Contextual/Tonal Matching
Application:
- Identify Rutherford's simplifying assumption.
Final Logic:
- Heavy nucleus ≈ stationary target.
Heavy Gold, Fixed Gold
9 For a beam of alpha particles passing through a thin metal foil, the observed frequencies of zero/small deflection and large deflection (>90°) are respectively:
�� Most particles pass through. �� Large deflections are rare. �� Backscattering is extremely uncommon.
Most alpha particles travel through the foil with no or only small deflection because atoms are mostly empty space. Only about 1 in 8000 particles scatter by more than 90°. Therefore, option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Opposite of observations.
- �� Option C → Large-angle scattering is not frequent.
- �� Option D → Small-angle scattering is very common.
Used
- Contextual/Tonal Matching
Application:
- Use Rutherford's experimental observations.
Final Logic:
- Small deflections are common; large deflections are rare.
Many Through, Few Back
10 In a head-on collision, if the initial kinetic energy K of the alpha particle is given, the distance of closest approach d will mathematically vary as:
�� Closest approach comes from energy conservation. �� d appears in the denominator. �� Higher kinetic energy means smaller d.
For a head-on collision: K = (1 / 4πε₀) × (2Ze² / d) Rearranging: d = (1 / 4πε₀) × (2Ze² / K) Thus, d ∝ 1/K Therefore, option D is correct.
- �� Option A → Opposite relationship.
- �� Option B → Incorrect dependence.
- �� Option C → Incorrect inverse-square relation.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Rearrange the closest-approach equation.
Final Logic:
- d is inversely proportional to K.
More KE → Less d
11 Initial kinetic energy and approach statements
1. The maximum kinetic energy of a 7.7 MeV alpha particle is mathematically equivalent to 1.2 × 10⁻¹² J.
2. Increasing the initial kinetic energy proportionally increases the distance of closest approach.
3. At the stopping point, the initial mechanical kinetic energy is completely transformed into potential energy.
4. The initial mechanical energy is entirely kinetic before the particle and nucleus interact.
�� 7.7 MeV = 1.23 × 10⁻¹² J. �� At closest approach, K.E. becomes zero. �� Distance of closest approach decreases with increasing kinetic energy.
Statement 1 is correct because: 7.7 MeV = 7.7 × 1.6 × 10⁻¹³ J = 1.23 × 10⁻¹² J ≈ 1.2 × 10⁻¹² J Statement 3 is correct because at the stopping point all kinetic energy is converted into electrostatic potential energy. Statement 4 is correct because before significant interaction, the alpha particle's mechanical energy is essentially kinetic. Statement 2 is incorrect because: d = (2Ze²)/(4πε₀K) Therefore d ∝ 1/K, not d ∝ K.
- �� Option A → Includes statement 2 which is incorrect.
- �� Option B → Includes statement 2 which is incorrect.
- �� Option D → Includes statement 2 which is incorrect.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Use the closest approach relation d ∝ 1/K.
Final Logic:
- Statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct while statement 2 is incorrect.
More K → Less d
12 At the critical moment an alpha particle momentarily stops and reverses its direction during a head-on collision
�� Velocity becomes zero. �� Kinetic energy becomes zero. �� Total energy equals potential energy.
At the distance of closest approach: K.E. = 0 Therefore: Total Energy = Potential Energy Since energy is conserved, Initial K.E. = Final Potential Energy Thus the entire mechanical energy of the system is present as electrostatic potential energy. Therefore, option C is correct.
- �� Option A → Potential energy is maximum, not minimum.
- �� Option B → Kinetic energy becomes zero.
- �� Option D → Electrostatic force is very large near the nucleus.
Used
- Energy Conservation
Application:
- Analyze the turning point condition.
Final Logic:
- At closest approach, K = 0 and E = U.
Turning Point → K = 0
13 If an alpha particle of initial kinetic energy K = 8.0 × 10⁻¹³ J approaches a gold nucleus (Z = 79), calculate the distance of closest approach d.
(1/4πε₀ = 9.0 × 10⁹ N m²/C², e = 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C)
�� Use energy conservation. �� K = (1/4πε₀)(2Ze²/d). �� Solve for d.
Using: d = (1/4πε₀)(2Ze²/K) Substituting values: d = [(9 × 10⁹) × 2 × 79 × (1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹)²] / (8 × 10⁻¹³) d = 4.55 × 10⁻¹⁴ m Therefore, option D is correct.
- �� Option A → Equal to foil thickness scale, not closest approach.
- �� Option B → Corresponds to a different kinetic energy value.
- �� Option C → Comparable to nuclear radius, not calculated d.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Substitute numerical values into the closest approach formula.
Final Logic:
- Direct calculation gives 4.55 × 10⁻¹⁴ m.
Use d ∝ 1/K
14 The discrepancy between the theoretical distance of closest approach and the actual radius of the gold nucleus indicates that
�� Closest approach exceeds nuclear radius. �� Alpha particle turns back earlier. �� Nuclear size is much smaller.
For gold: Distance of closest approach ≈ 30 fm Actual nuclear radius ≈ 6 fm Since the turning point occurs well before the alpha particle reaches the nuclear surface, the particle reverses direction without touching the nucleus. Therefore, option C is correct.
- �� Option A → Physical contact is not required.
- �� Option B → Closest approach gives only an upper limit.
- �� Option D → Rutherford's model is supported by the observation.
Used
- Contextual/Tonal Matching
Application:
- Compare the closest approach with actual nuclear radius.
Final Logic:
- d > Nuclear Radius.
30 fm > 6 fm
15 Correct statements about the total energy in a dynamically stable orbit
1. The total energy E is the algebraic sum of kinetic K and potential U energies.
2. The total energy is mathematically given by -e²/(8πε₀r).
3. The total energy is strictly positive for a closed stable orbit.
4. The negative sign physically signifies that the electron is bound to the nucleus.
�� E = K + U. �� Bound systems have negative total energy. �� Negative energy implies binding.
Statement 1 is correct: E = K + U Statement 2 is correct: E = -e²/(8πε₀r) Statement 4 is correct because negative energy means external energy must be supplied to free the electron. Statement 3 is incorrect because stable bound orbits have negative total energy.
- �� Option B → Includes statement 3.
- �� Option C → Includes statement 3.
- �� Option D → Includes statement 3.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Recall the sign of total energy for bound states.
Final Logic:
- Bound orbit ⇒ E < 0.
Negative E = Bound Electron
16 If the orbital radius of an electron in a hydrogen atom is r, the orbital velocity v can be analytically represented as:
�� Equate electrostatic and centripetal forces. �� Solve for velocity. �� Take square root.
From force balance: mv²/r = e²/(4πε₀r²) Therefore: v² = e²/(4πε₀mr) Taking square root: v = e/√(4πε₀mr) Therefore, option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Extra factor of e.
- �� Option C → Missing square root.
- �� Option D → Wrong dimensions.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Use force balance equation.
Final Logic:
- Fₑ = F꜀ gives v.
Balance Forces → Velocity
17 Incorrect statement regarding the kinetic energy of an orbital electron
�� K = ½mv². �� K = e²/(8πε₀r). �� |U| = 2K.
For a hydrogen atom: K = e²/(8πε₀r) U = -e²/(4πε₀r) Hence: |U| = 2K or K = |U|/2 Therefore statement D is incorrect because kinetic energy is half the magnitude of potential energy, not twice.
- �� Option A → Correct kinetic energy relation.
- �� Option B → Correct expression.
- �� Option C → Since E = -K, it is correct.
Used
- Formula Recall
Application:
- Compare K and U relations.
Final Logic:
- K = |U|/2.
Potential Twice Kinetic
18 Match List I (Energy properties) with List II (Analytical Expressions)
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Total Energy (E) | a. -e²/(4πε₀r) |
| 2. Kinetic Energy (K) | b. U = 2E |
| 3. Potential Energy (U) | c. e²/(8πε₀r) |
| 4. Relation between U and E | d. -e²/(8πε₀r) |
�� E is negative. �� K is positive. �� U = 2E.
1 → d : E = -e²/(8πε₀r) 2 → c : K = e²/(8πε₀r) 3 → a : U = -e²/(4πε₀r) 4 → b : U = 2E Therefore, option A is correct.
- �� Option B → E and K interchanged.
- �� Option C → U and K interchanged.
- �� Option D → Incorrect energy assignments.
Used
- Option Grouping
Application:
- Match standard hydrogen energy equations.
Final Logic:
- Only option A correctly matches all expressions.
E Negative, K Positive, U Double
19 If the total energy E of an orbiting electron were somehow made zero or positive
�� Bound states require E < 0. �� E ≥ 0 implies escape. �� No stable orbit exists.
A bound electron must have negative total energy. If E becomes zero or positive, the electron is no longer confined to the nucleus and can escape to infinity. Thus, the atom becomes unbound. Therefore, option B is correct.
- �� Option A → Opposite behavior.
- �� Option C → Kinetic energy cannot be negative.
- �� Option D → Not implied by positive total energy.
Used
- Contextual/Tonal Matching
Application:
- Interpret the physical meaning of total energy.
Final Logic:
- Positive energy means unbound motion.
Positive E → Escape
20 For an electron carefully evaluated in a bound state versus an unbound state, the total energy signs are respectively:
�� Bound systems have negative energy. �� Free systems have positive energy. �� Energy sign indicates confinement.
For a bound electron: E < 0 For an unbound electron: E > 0 Therefore, the correct sequence is Negative, Positive. Hence, option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Reversed order.
- �� Option C → Unbound state cannot have negative total energy.
- �� Option D → Bound state cannot have positive total energy.
Used
- Odd One Out
Application:
- Recall the energy criterion for bound systems.
Final Logic:
- Bound → Negative, Unbound → Positive.
Bound Below Zero
