Rutherford

/ˈrʌðərfərd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A unit of radioactivity equal to one million disintegrations per second, commonly used in nuclear physics.

The experiment required a measurement of activity in rutherfords to determine the decay rate.

A surname of significant historical figures, including Ernest Rutherford, known as the father of nuclear physics.

Rutherford's contributions to atomic theory changed the course of modern physics.

The name Rutherford is of Old English origin, meaning 'cattle ford'.

Rutherford atom model

A model of the atom proposed by Ernest Rutherford that describes the atom as having a small, dense nucleus surrounded by orbiting electrons.

Rutherford experiment

Refers to Rutherford's gold foil experiment which provided evidence for the atomic nucleus.

nucleus

The central part of an atom containing protons and neutrons.

atom

The basic unit of a chemical element.