Here's why:

* The nucleus: Rutherford's model proposed a tiny, dense, positively charged nucleus at the center of the atom. This nucleus contains nearly all the atom's mass.

* Electrons: Electrons, which are negatively charged, orbit the nucleus in circular paths. These orbits are much larger than the nucleus itself, creating vast empty spaces within the atom.

Think of it like this: If the nucleus were the size of a marble, the electrons would be orbiting at distances comparable to the size of a football field.

This empty space is what allows for the interaction of atoms with each other and the passage of light through matter.