Question

Describe and explain:
the experimental basis that the atom occupies a very small fraction of the volume of the atom

Answer 1

the atom occupies a small fraction of the volume of the atom?
I think you mean the nucleus occupies a small fraction of the volume of the atom.
The nucleus has most of the mass but most of the volume is occupied by the electron cloud.
See it like this:

Answer 2

ohhh. sorry about that

i't the nucleus

Answer 3

Rutherford experiment is the experimental evidence for the fact that you have mentioned.

Answer 4

Here are useful links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geiger –Marsden_experiment

http://myweb.usf.edu/~mhight/goldfoil.html

Answer 5

please expound

Answer 6

@ardalan please explain further

Answer 7

what you are not understanding may i know ?