In atomic physics, which scientist discovered the nucleus of the atom through the famous gold foil scattering experiment?

Introduction / Context:
The discovery of the atomic nucleus is a landmark moment in the history of modern physics and chemistry. Before this discovery, the prevailing plum pudding model proposed that positive charge was spread uniformly throughout the atom. The correct model, based on experimental evidence, showed that almost all the mass and positive charge is concentrated in a tiny central region called the nucleus. This question tests knowledge of the scientist associated with the famous gold foil scattering experiment that led to this breakthrough.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are dealing with early atomic models and their experimental verification.
• The experiment involved alpha particles directed at very thin metal foil, typically gold.
• We assume standard school level descriptions of atomic theory.
• We assume that the name of the scientist is to be selected from the options.

Concept / Approach:
To answer the question, we recall which scientist designed and interpreted the gold foil scattering experiment. In this classic experiment, a beam of alpha particles was fired at a thin gold foil and the pattern of scattering was observed on a fluorescent screen. Most particles passed straight through, but a small fraction were deflected at large angles. This result could not be explained by the plum pudding model and led to the nuclear model of the atom. The scientist who led this work was Ernest Rutherford.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall key early atomic models, such as the plum pudding model and the nuclear model. Step 2: Remember that the gold foil scattering experiment used alpha particles and thin gold foil to probe atomic structure. Step 3: Recognise that the unexpected large angle deflections of a few alpha particles suggested a small, dense, positively charged centre in the atom. Step 4: Identify the scientist who designed and interpreted this experiment as Ernest Rutherford. Step 5: Match the name Ernest Rutherford with the correct option provided.

Verification / Alternative check:
Many textbooks refer to this work as the Rutherford scattering experiment or Rutherford gold foil experiment. This naming itself confirms that Rutherford is the key figure connected with the discovery of the nucleus. Niels Bohr later refined this model to introduce quantised orbits but did not discover the nucleus. Thomson proposed the earlier plum pudding model and discovered the electron, not the nucleus. These cross checks confirm that Rutherford is the correct option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Niels Bohr contributed the planetary model and quantised energy levels but did not perform the gold foil experiment.
J J Thomson discovered the electron and proposed the plum pudding model, which was disproved by the gold foil results.
Henry Moseley worked on atomic number and X ray spectra rather than discovering the nucleus.
Max Planck introduced quantum theory related to energy quanta, not atomic structure via scattering experiments.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to confuse Bohr or Thomson with Rutherford, since all three are associated with atomic models. Another error is to assume that the scientist who discovered the electron must also have discovered the nucleus. Students sometimes remember the name of the experiment but forget the scientist and guess incorrectly based on familiarity with other names. Reading the question slowly and linking the gold foil scattering experiment specifically with Rutherford avoids this confusion.

Final Answer:
The nucleus of the atom was discovered through the gold foil scattering experiment carried out by Ernest Rutherford.