Scattering experiments (e.g. Rutherford’s gold foil experiment) are important research tools of nuclear and particle physics. They help scientists to study interactions between particles and to obtain information about the structure of matter.

You can introduce your students to the concepts of scattering experiments with everyday equipment such as marbles or tennis balls and cardboard, or use a 3D printer.

Our design of a scattering experiment model works best with 5 mm diameter steal balls (from ball bearings).