Perimeter Classroom Activity: Rutherford Scattering with Marbles
Perimeter's Dave Fish demonstrates activities for students to learn more about physics. In this classroom activity, Rutherford scattering is modelled by rolling marbles at a wine glass. The base of the glass acts as the electrostatic field that repels the alpha particles (marbles).
Resources about this and other topics can be found at: http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/outreach.
About PI
Perimeter Institute is the world’s largest research hub devoted to theoretical physics. The independent Institute was founded in 1999 to foster breakthroughs in the fundamental understanding of our universe, from the smallest particles to the entire cosmos. Research at Perimeter is motivated by the understanding that fundamental science advances human knowledge and catalyzes innovation, and that today’s theoretical physics is tomorrow’s technology. Located in the Region of Waterloo, the not-for-profit Institute is a unique public-private endeavour, including the Governments of Ontario and Canada, that enables cutting-edge research, trains the next generation of scientific pioneers, and shares the power of physics through award-winning educational outreach and public engagement.
