This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. [Learn More](https://www.hbarsci.com/pages/privacy-policy) Got it! [Skip to content](/content/products/alpha-14#MainContent/index.html) (585) 360-2295 \| Mon–Fri 8am–4pm EST **hBARSCI is now The Lab Stockroom** Same team. Bigger catalog, faster shipping. Free Shipping on Orders $100+ \| POs Accepted Open media 0 in modal The Lab Stockroom \|  SKUALPHA-14 # Alpha Scattering Apparatus Demonstrates Rutherford scattering using a gravitational analogue of inverse-square repulsion, rolling steel balls from a ramp across a curved aluminum hill to model alpha particle deflection. Regular price$110.00 Sale priceRegular price~~~~ Unit price /per 4 interest-free installments, or from $9.93/mo with Shop QuantityDecrease quantity for Alpha Scattering ApparatusIncrease quantity for Alpha Scattering Apparatus Sold out Buy with More payment options - Out of stock - Free US Shipping $100+30 Day Free Returns ## Product Description The Alpha Scattering apparatus models one of the foundational experiments in atomic physics, using gravity as a mechanical analogue for the inverse-square repulsion an alpha particle feels near a nucleus. By rolling steel balls down a ramp and across a specially shaped hill, students can reproduce the deflection patterns Rutherford observed and see how a small, dense center of force scatters incoming particles through a range of angles. At the center of the demonstration is a spun aluminum hill, 280 mm in diameter and 60 mm high, whose profile is the key to the analogy. The hill's height above the base line is varied according to the reciprocal of the radius, so that a ball rolling across it experiences a gravitational potential that mirrors the inverse-square electrostatic repulsion between an alpha particle and a nucleus. A ball launched toward the hill curves away from the central peak just as an alpha particle is deflected by the nucleus, with the closest approaches producing the sharpest scattering. Balls are introduced using a wooden launching ramp measuring 300 by 48 mm and 105 mm high, with a guide groove down its curved front face to direct each ball along a consistent path. Index marks at 40, 60, 80, and 100 mm above the base provide a set of known launching heights, allowing the launch speed to be varied in a repeatable way and letting students investigate how the impact parameter and energy of the incoming ball affect its scattering angle. The set includes three steel balls, one 12.5 mm and two 19 mm, so that different projectile sizes can be compared. Together the components turn an abstract nuclear-physics result into a hands-on mechanical investigation suitable for demonstration or student-led experiment. ## Specifications Material: Spun aluminum hill; wooden launching ramp; steel balls Hill dimensions: 280 mm diameter x 60 mm high Hill profile: Height varied by the reciprocal of the radius (inverse-square analogue) Launching ramp: 300 x 48 mm, 105 mm high, with guide groove on curved front face Launch height index marks: 40, 60, 80, and 100 mm above base Included: Aluminum hill (1); launching ramp (1); steel balls, 12.5 mm (1) and 19 mm (2) ## Shipping & Returns **SHIPPING** Ships from Rochester, NY. Orders received by 1:00 PM EST M-F typically ship same business day. Free US shipping on orders over $100. Expedited options available. **RETURNS** 30-day return window. Unused items receive a full refund; used items are eligible for store credit or exchange. Return shipping is paid by the customer. Clearance items are final sale. Defective products? Contact us directly. [View full Shipping & Returns policy](/content/pages/returns-and-refunds "Returns and Refunds"/index.html) Payment & Security Payment methods - American Express - Apple Pay - Diners Club - Discover - Google Pay - Mastercard - PayPal - Shop Pay - Visa Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information. ### Alpha Scattering Apparatus Regular price$110.00 Sale priceRegular price~~~~ Unit price /per Add