eARLY lIFE

Ernest Marsden was born on March 18, 1889, in Manchester, England. He ​studied physics at the University of Manchester, where he became a protégé ​of Ernest Rutherford.

Key Experiment

Marsden is best known for his crucial role in the gold foil experiment ​conducted with Rutherford in 1909. In this experiment, alpha particles were ​fired at a very thin sheet of gold foil. Marsden meticulously observed the ​scattering patterns of the particles, which were unexpectedly deflected at ​large angles. This surprising result led to the conclusion that atoms contain a ​small, dense nucleus, fundamentally changing the understanding of atomic ​structure.

contributions

Marsden's careful execution of the experiment and his detailed analysis ​of the results provided the evidence needed to support Rutherford's ​model of the atom. His work was pivotal in establishing the foundation ​of modern nuclear physics and significantly advanced the field's ​understanding of atomic structure.

Later Life

Marsden continued his career in academia, eventually becoming a ​professor of physics at the University of Otago in New Zealand, where ​he inspired future generations of physicists.

Death

He passed away on September 15, 1970, in Dunedin, New Zealand, ​leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of nuclear science.