L2 Atomic Models
L2 Atomic Models
L2 Atomic Models
Figure 4.13.14.13.1: (A) The experimental setup for Rutherford's gold foil experiment:
A radioactive element that emitted alpha particles was directed toward a thin sheet of
gold foil that was surrounded by a screen which would allow detection of the deflected
particles. (B) According to the plum pudding model (top) all of the alpha particles
should have passed through the gold foil with little or no deflection. Rutherford found
that a small percentage of alpha particles were deflected at large angles, which could
be explained by an atom with a very small, dense, positively-charged nucleus at its
center (bottom).
Conclusion
Even though the early atomic models were inaccurate and could not explain the
structure of atom and experimental results properly. But it formed the basis of
the quantum mechanics and helped the future development of quantum mechanics.
Thomson knew that atoms had an overall neutral charge. Therefore, he reasoned
that there must be a source of positive charge within the atom to counterbalance
the negative charge on the electrons. This led Thomson to propose that atoms
could be described as negative particles floating within a soup of diffuse positive
charge. This model is often called the plum pudding model of the atom, due to the
fact that its description is very similar to plum pudding, a popular English dessert
(see image below).
The description of Thomson’s atomic model is one of the many scientific models
of the atom. It was proposed by J.J Thomson in the year 1904 just after the
discovery of electrons. However, at that time the atomic nucleus was yet to be
discovered. So, he proposed a model on the basis of known properties available at
that time. The known properties are:
● Thomson’s atomic model failed to explain how the positive charge holds on
the electrons inside the atom. It also failed to explain an atom’s stability.
● The theory did not mention anything about the nucleus of an atom.
● It was unable to explain the scattering experiment of Rutherford.
Conclusion
Even though Thomson’s atomic model was inaccurate and had a few drawbacks, it
provided the base for several other atomic structure models afterward. It is one of
the foundation models that led to significant and revolutionary inventions later.
The Rutherford model had a major drawback, it could not explain why
electrons do not fall into the nucleus by taking a spiral path.
It was in concurrence with the electromagnetic theory that states "if a
charged particle undergoes accelerated motion, then it must radiate
energy (lose) continuously".
The objections of Rutherford atomic model was contested by Niels Bohr
atomic model in 1913. Niels Bohr proposed the quantum theory of an atom.
The theory was based on the quantum theory of radiation. Bohr retained
the main postulates of Rutherford planetary model and did some
medication on the basis of quantum physics. Hence, Bohr atomic model is
also known as Rutherford-Bohr atomic model.
He depicts the atom as a tiny, spherical body which consists nucleus at
center and negatively charged particles (electrons) revolving around
nucleus in a certain path known as orbit. He proposed some new postulate
with same basis concepts of Rutherford theory.
Bohr's Atomic Model
In order to explain the stability of an atom, Neils Bohr gave a new
arrangement of electrons in the atom in 1913. According to Neils Bohr, the
electrons could revolve around the nucleus in only 'certain orbits' (energy
levels), each orbit having a different radius.
When an electron is revolving in a particular orbit or particular energy level
around the nucleus, the electron does not radiate energy (lose energy)
even though it has accelerated motion around the nucleus.
This model of the atom was able to explain the stability of the atom. It also
explained the phenomenon of atomic spectra and ionization of gases.
1. When electron jumps from lower energy level to higher energy level,
it absorbs relevant amount of energy and this results in the
absorption spectrum.
2. When an electron drops to higher level from lower level, it emits some
amount of energy and emission spectrum is observed.
3. Since there is only one electron in hydrogen atom, there should be
one line in hydrogen spectrum. But in Bohr theory, there are infinite
number of orbits, so more than one line is observed in spectrum.
1. Bohr model could not explain those atoms which have more than one
electron like lithium, helium. This model was applicable only for those
atoms which have one electron.
2. Bohr theory explained only spherical orbits. There was no explanation
for elliptical orbits.
3. This model failed to explain Zeeman Effect and stark effect.
4. Bohr model could not explain the uncertainty principle of Heisenberg.
5. Bohr model was not related with classification and periodicity of
elements.
6. By using Bohr atomic model, one can’t explain the intensity of
spectrum line.