Q 12-12-001NEETNEET 2026Top questionEasy
In Geiger-Marsden experiment, the number of scattered $\alpha$-particles $N(\theta)$ is plotted as a function of scattering angle $\theta$. Which of the following options represents the correct plot ?
Answer: (C) see figure
Rutherford's scattering formula gives
$$N(\theta) \propto \frac{1}{\sin^4(\theta/2)}$$
Most $\alpha$-particles pass almost undeflected, so $N(\theta)$ is very large at small angles. It falls steeply as $\theta$ increases, and only a very few particles are scattered back ($\theta$ near $180^\circ$).
This steadily and sharply decreasing curve is option (3).
Solution by Sreeraj P, M.Sc Physics