Chapter 16, Problem 109A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The major point of difference between the Thomson atomic model and the Rutherford atomic model is to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Atoms contain protons which are positively charged, electrons with a negative charge, and neutrons with a neutral charge. Protons and neutrons make up the nucleus of the atoms and the electrons surround the nucleus in an orbit.

Explanation of Solution

The major point of difference between the Thomson atomic model and the Rutherford atomic model are as follows:

J.J Thomson Atomic Model	Rutherford Atomic Model
J.J Thomson proposed his theory of atoms which was only describing the atoms. He postulated that: • Atoms contain a sphere of positive charges with negative charges embeds in them. • And atoms are electrically neutral because of a mixture of charges.	Rutherford described • Positive charge and the mass of an atom are concentrated in an extremely small volume and named the region as the nucleus. • The negative charges revolve around the nucleus in orbits. • The electrons being -ve charged and the nucleus being concentrated with +ve charge both are held by a strong electrostatic force of attraction.

Comparing these two models, the major difference is the explanation of the nucleus of an atom.