Chapter 11.1, Problem 2RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The flaws of the Rutherford model of atom and the reason for its modification is to be written.

Concept Introduction:The Rutherford model of the atom states that the positive charge is centralised in the nucleus with negatively charged particles called electrons orbiting around it.

Answer to Problem 2RQ

There were two major flaws in the Rutherford model of atom:

• According to Rutherford model, every atom should have had continuous line spectra but actually atoms have discreet line spectra.
• The Rutherford model could not explain the stability of an atom. If the postulates of this model were considered absolutely correct, most atoms would have been unstable.

Due to these reasons the model had to be changed in order to correct these flaws.

Explanation of Solution

• If all electrons were of same energy level as suggested in Rutherford model, the line emission spectrum of electrons would have been continuous but that is not the case.
• If electrons accelerate around the nucleus, they will lose energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation and eventually collide with the nucleus making the atom unstable according to Rutherford model. But atoms are generally stable.