Which of the following statements are consistent with Rutherford's nuclear theory as it was originally stated?

(A) The volume of an atom is mostly empty space.

(B) The nucleus of an atom is small compared to the size of the atom.

(C) Neutral lithium atoms contain more neutrons than protons.

(D) Neutral lithium atoms contain more protons than electrons.

A, B

Explanation:

A) This statement is consistent with Rutherford's nuclear theory as atom is mostly an empty space with tiny particles spread round. Exactly like our solar system in space, where sun be considered as nucleus containing neutron and proton and planets as electrons.

B) Yes ratio of size of atom to nucleus is 100000 is to 1. So, nucleus is quite smaller than the atom.

C) This is inconsistent with Rutherford's nuclear theory as till that time theory of neutron was not discovered.

D) An atom is neutral when no. of electrons (negative charge) is equal to no. of protons (positive charge). Therefore, it is inconsistent.