Why did Rutherford choose alpha particles in his experiment?

Each of the following reactions is allowed to come to equilibrium and then the volume is changed as indicated. predict the effect (shift right, shift left, or no effect) of the indicated volume change. drag the appropriate items to their respective bins.co(g) + h2o(g) < => co2(g) + h2(g) (volume is decreased) pcl3(g) + cl2(g) < => pcl5(g) (volume is increased) caco3(s)< => cao(s) + co2(g) (volume is increased)