Studies & Atomic Theory

Rutherford attended Canterbury College in Christchurch from 1890-1894. He graduated with both his Bachelor and Masters Art degrees.

Rutherford's atomic theory leads to his belief that an atom was mostly empty space. He believed the atom had a central nucleus, which contained neutrons and protons. The nucleus was surrounded by electrons that were negative and orbited the atom. The atoms have a central positive nucleus but is surrounded by negative orbiting electrons.