Question

What was concluded about the structure of the atom as the result of the gold foil experiment?
(1) A positively charged nucleus is surrounded by positively charged particles.
(2) A positively charged nucleus is surrounded by mostly empty space.
(3) A negatively charged nucleus is surrounded by positively charged particles.
(4) A negatively charged nucleus is surrounded by mostly empty space.

Answer 1

The conclusion about the structure of the atom as the result of the gold foil experiment is that a positively charged nucleus is surrounded by mostly empty space. The answer is number 2. Also, he concluded that an atom was not an empty space but rather, the electrons are scattered.

Answer 2

Answer is: 2) A positively charged nucleus is surrounded by mostly 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.

That is different from Plum Pudding model, because it shows that most of the atom is empty space.