Rutherford's theory was correct because it proposed the existence of a compact, positively charged nucleus at the center of an atom surrounded by negatively charged electrons. This model explained the results of his gold foil experiment, where some alpha particles were deflected at large angles, indicating a concentrated positive charge at the nucleus. Subsequent experiments and observations confirmed the fundamental features of Rutherford's atomic model.
1955
Rutherford and Soddy proposed the theory of radioactive decay, which explains how unstable atoms undergo spontaneous disintegration and transform into different elements. They also discovered that the process of radioactive decay involves the emission of alpha and beta particles. This theory laid the foundation for our understanding of nuclear physics.
The Rutherford theory of the atom was correct; but after 100 years, of course, this theory was strongly developped, new experiments added and the today theory of the atom is more complex and detailed.
According to Thomson's atomic theory, the mass of an atom was special evenly throughout its volume. Errest Rutherford's experiment proved this wrong.
Rutherford's theory proposed that atoms have a dense, positively charged nucleus. This led to the understanding that atoms are mostly empty space with electrons orbiting the nucleus. This laid the foundation for the modern atomic theory, which further developed with the discovery of subatomic particles and the concept of atomic number.
Ernest Rutherford helped further develop the atomic theory though his was still not the most correct. He created his Rutherford model for atoms, later corrected further by Bohr.
The Atomic Theory
Rutherford's theory is known as the Rutherford model or Rutherford atomic model. It describes the structure of an atom as a dense positively charged nucleus surrounded by orbiting electrons.
D. E. Rutherford has written: 'Introduction to lattice theory' -- subject(s): Lattice theory
Rutherford.
According to Thomson's atomic theory, the mass of an atom was special evenly throughout its volume. Errest Rutherford's experiment proved this wrong.
It was correct as far as it went (as are all scientific theories), however it predicted the electrons would all practically instantly spiral into the nucleus while the atom emitted an intense flash of x-rays and gamma rays, which obviously does not happen. It took the addition of Heisenberg's Quantum theory to explain why the electrons stay in "fixed" orbitals and allow the prediction of hydrogen's spectral lines. This combined theory was more correct, and with only minor modifications is the modern atomic theory.
Ernest Rutherford conducted his studies to test J.J Thompsons 'Plum Pudding' theory.
1955
Ernest Rutherford contributed to the atomic theory through his gold foil experiment. He discovered that there was a positively charged central core to the atom and he called it the nucleus.
Rutherford and Soddy's theory stated that uranium successively disintegrated to lead. Rutherford discover the proton. He also discovered that the atom is mostly space.
The Rutherford-Atomic Theory was published by Ernest Rutherford. It described the atom as having a central positive nucleus surrounded by negative orbiting electrons.