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Alpha particles beamed at thin metal foil may

  • A. pass directly through without changing direction
  • B. be slightly diverted by attraction to electrons
  • C. be reflected by direct contact with nuclei
  • D. A and C
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because when alpha particles are beamed at a thin metal foil, some pass directly through due to their small size and high energy (option A), while others are reflected by direct contact with nuclei in the metal foil (option C). This is based on the Rutherford scattering experiment which showed that alpha particles can be deflected by the positive nuclei in the metal foil. Option B is incorrect as alpha particles are not diverted by attraction to electrons in the foil. Option D combines the correct explanations for the behavior of alpha particles when beamed at thin metal foil.