Why did the alpha-particles in Rutherford's experiment not collide with the electrons? In Rutherford's experiment to show the existence of nucleus in an atom, the alpha-particles were exposed on the surface of certain metal i.e. gold. He observed that more than 99% of these particles were able to go straight and pass through the gold atoms. Thus he was able to conclude that atoms are mainly empty space.

But why did these particles not collide with the electrons present in the gold atoms? I think that the reason behind it is that the speed of the electrons travelling in orbits did not cause any obstacle in the travelling path of the alpha particles.
Protons and neutrons have a mass approximately 1836 times greater than an electron, ignoring relativistic effects and nuclear binding energies. There are 4 of these baryons in an $\mathrm{\alpha}$-particle. There is no way a puny electron could do much to deflect an $\mathrm{\alpha}$-particle that is almost 7500 times more massive. This is like if a 150-lb human tried to block a 747 (the 747-100's maximum takeoff weight is only about 6400 times greater than the person's).