J. J. Thomson discovered the electron in 1897. In 1904, he proposed a model of an atom, describing that there was an equal distribution of negative and positive charges throughout the atom. In 1909, Ernest Rutherford tested J. J. Thomson’s model by shooting positive particles at gold foil. Based on Thomson's model, it was predicted that the particles would fly through the foil with a small amount deflected back. Analyzing the results, Rutherford discovered that more of the particles bounced back than expected. Which of the following best explains how the results of Rutherford’s experiment affected Thomson’s widely-accepted atomic model? A. Rutherford’s results were invalidated and discarded because Thomson’s model was correct.
B. Rutherford’s results supported parts of Thomson's model, but also provided new data and interpretations.
C. Rutherford’s results suggested that the model proposed by Thomson was based on false research and required a change in his hypothesis.
D. Rutherford’s results supported Thomson’s model that there was a negative core surrounded by positive charges and caused a modification in the overall atomic theory.