A single layer of gold atoms lies on a table. The radius of each gold atom is about 1.5×1010 m, and the radius of each gold nucleus is about 7.0×1015 m. A particle much smaller than the nucleus is shot at the layer of gold atoms. Roughly, what is its chance (probability p) of hitting a nucleus and being scattered? (The electrons around the atom have no effect.) Solution So we can estimate the probability neglecting the detailed crystal structure of the gold layer but only from consideration of a single atom. The probability will be proportional to area of the obstacle, so assuming circularity p=area of nucleus/area of the atom=(radius of the nucleus)^2/(that of the atom)^2=2.2*10^(-9).