Quick Answer: Alpha Scattering Apparatus (Analogue) demonstrates Rutherford scattering using a gravitational analogue of inverse square law repulsion, with a spun aluminium hill, a 12.5 mm steel ball and a wooden launching ramp.
Last updated: October 2026
Key Features
Spun aluminium hill shaped by varying its height according to the reciprocal of the radius
12.5 mm steel ball
Wooden launching ramp with a guide groove down its curved front face
Index marks at 40, 60, 80 and 100 mm above the base for known launching heights
Technical Specifications
Specification
Value
Steel ball
12.5 mm
Aluminium hill
(D) 280 mm x (H) 60 mm
Launching ramp
(L) 300 mm x (W) 48 mm x (H) 105 mm
Ramp index marks
40, 60, 80 and 100 mm
About This Product
The ball is launched from known heights on the ramp towards the aluminium hill, whose shape gives a gravitational analogue of inverse square law repulsion, so Rutherford scattering can be demonstrated on the bench.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What launching heights can be used? The ramp has index marks at 40 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm and 100 mm above the base, giving a variety of known launching heights.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
.png)