Choose the correct option from the following options given below.a)In ...
C. A classical atom based on Rutherford's model is doomed to collapse.
Rutherford's model of the atom, also known as the planetary model, was proposed by Ernest Rutherford in 1911. This model suggests that an atom consists of a small, dense, positively charged nucleus at the center, with negatively charged electrons orbiting around it in circular paths.
In this model, the electrons are in a state of stable equilibrium, which means that they are able to maintain their orbits without any external forces acting on them. However, this stability is only possible if the electrons move in circular orbits at a constant speed.
1. Electrons in Stable Equilibrium:
In Rutherford's model, the electrons are in stable equilibrium because the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged nucleus and the negatively charged electrons provides the necessary centripetal force to keep the electrons in their orbits. This allows the atom to be stable and not collapse.
2. Net Force in Thomson's Model:
In contrast, Thomson's model of the atom, also known as the plum pudding model, suggests that an atom consists of a positively charged sphere with negatively charged electrons distributed throughout it. In this model, the electrons are not in stable equilibrium and always experience a net force because they are not confined to specific orbits. The electrons are free to move within the positively charged sphere, resulting in a non-uniform distribution of charge.
3. Collapse of Rutherford's Model:
However, Rutherford's model is not able to explain the stability of the atom in the long term. According to classical electromagnetic theory, any charged particle that accelerates emits electromagnetic radiation. As the electrons in Rutherford's model move in circular orbits, they are constantly accelerating towards the nucleus, and therefore, they should emit radiation. This would cause the electrons to lose energy and spiral into the nucleus, leading to the collapse of the atom.
4. Quantum Mechanics:
The collapse of Rutherford's model is resolved by the development of quantum mechanics, which provides a more accurate description of the behavior of electrons in atoms. According to quantum mechanics, electrons do not move in fixed orbits but exist in probability clouds called orbitals. These orbitals describe the likelihood of finding an electron in a particular region around the nucleus. The stability of atoms is explained by the wave-like nature of electrons and their quantized energy levels.
In conclusion, the correct option is C. A classical atom based on Rutherford's model is doomed to collapse because it cannot explain the stability of the atom in the long term.
Choose the correct option from the following options given below.a)In ...
An atom based on the classical theory of Rutherford's model should collapse as the electrons in continuous circular motion, that is a continuously accelerated charge, should emit EM waves and so should lose energy. These electrons losing energy should soon fall into heavy nucleus collapsing the whole atom.
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