What was the significance of rutherford's experiment? a. he discovered that not all atoms were the same size. b. he discovered that alpha particles did not bounce off of electrons. c. he discovered that the atom was mostly made up of empty space. d. he discovered that atoms contained positive and negative charges.

Answer is: C. he discovered that the atom was mostly made up of empty space.

Rutherford theorized that atoms have their charge concentrated in a very small nucleus.

This was famous Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment: he bombarded thin foil of gold with positive alpha particles (helium atom particles, consist of two protons and two neutrons).  

Rutherford observed the deflection of alpha particles on the photographic film and notice that most of alpha particles passed straight through foil.

According to Rutherford model of the atom:  

1) Atoms have their charge concentrated in a very small nucleus.  

2) Major space in an atom is empty.  

3) Atoms nucleus is surrounded by negatively charged particles called electrons.  

4) An atom is electrically neutral.  

atomic number of carbon is 6

electronic configuration of carbon is 1s²2s²2p²

orbital diagram of c is as shown here in the image.