In view of the Rutherford model of the atom, is the relative penetrating power of natural radioactivity to be expected? Explain. Solution Solution: In Rutherford\'s nuclear model of atom entire positive charge and most of the mass are concentrated in the centre. This central part is termed as nucleus. Electrons carrying negative charge revolve around the nucleus in orbits. In view of the Rutherford model of the atom, when alpha particles coming out of a radioactive material bombard the metal foil, many of the alpha particles pass through the metal because most of the part in the target atom is empty. It is also observed that radioactive radiations can penetrate the atoms of different elements and the scattering rate can be low. The reverse is also true by suitable combinations of radioactive radiations and atoms of different elements. Therefore, we can say that the relative penetrating power of natural radioactivity is expected. The alpha particles which collide with the central dense part called nucleus suffer scattering and do not penetrate the nucleus. The atomic electrons being light do not affect the alpha particles. .