Rutherford

Rutherford most commonly refers to Ernest Rutherford, 1st Baron Rutherford of Nelson (1871–1937), a New Zealand-born physicist who helped establish the modern understanding of atomic structure. In 1911 his gold foil experiment showed that a concentrated positive charge resides in a small nucleus, leading to the nuclear model of the atom. He conducted important work in radioactivity and nuclear physics and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908 for investigations into the disintegration of elements and the chemistry of radioactive substances.

Rutherford is also a surname of Scottish origin and is found in various countries. It has been borne by many figures in science, politics, and culture, and by places named in honor of individuals bearing the name. The surname is used as a toponym in several regions.

Geographically, places named Rutherford exist in the United States, such as Rutherford, New Jersey, and Rutherford Counties in different states. In science infrastructure, the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in the United Kingdom carries the name in honor of Ernest Rutherford and continues to be a major research facility. Other schools, roads, and institutions also bear the name Rutherford.