PURPOSE: To show the early models for the atom.
DESCRIPTION: A classroom computer is used to project the computer animation of two java applets. One applet shows the Thompson idea for the plum pudding model of the atom. The other applet shows the Rutherford idea for the single nucleus model of the atom.
The java applet for the Thompson model shows most alpha particles passing straight through an atom unobstructed, with an occasional small angle deflection. The Rutherford applet shows most alpha particles passing straight through an atom unobstructed, with an occasional large angle deflection.
EQUIPMENT: Computer with software, projector.
Updated by Jun Qi in 3/20/2000