Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Rutherford scattering

noun

Definition of Rutherford scattering

: a scattering of alpha particles on passage through thin metal foils in an angular distribution that indicates a concentration of positive charge at the atomic nucleus

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of Rutherford scattering

1922, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Rutherford scattering

after Baron Ernest Rutherford

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Rutherford scattering

Statistics for Rutherford scattering

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for Rutherford scattering

The first known use of Rutherford scattering was in 1922

See more words from the same year

Comments on Rutherford scattering

What made you want to look up Rutherford scattering? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

yen

Listen to the pronounciation of yen

a strong desire or propensity

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

  • stylized drawing of woman pole vaulting across gap to get trophy
  • Which is a synonym of fuliginous?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games