How Do We Know Any of This?    
Rutherford's Result
From http://particleadventure.org

If atoms were permeable, neutral balls, then the alpha particles should simply pass through the gold foil and strike the back of the screen. But much to everyone's surprise, some of the alpha particles were deflected at large angles to the foil; some even hit the screen in front of the foil! Obviously some other explanation was needed.

    

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