Chapter 27, Problem 19Q

To determine

(a) Successes of the Bohr model of the atom

(b) Observation that the Bohr model couldn’t explain.

Explanation of Solution

(a) Successes List of the Bohr model of the atom:

     The success of the Bohr model is

1. It gives explanation for why atoms emit line spectra.
2. It accurately predicts the wavelengths of emitted light for hydrogen.
3. It explains about absorption spectra.
4. It ensures the stability of atoms (by degree)
5. It accurately predicts ionization of hydrogen.

(b) Observation - the Bohr model couldn’t explain:

1. The Bohr model did not give the reason why the orbits were quantized.
2. It did not prove successful for multi-electrons atoms.
3. It could not predict line spectra ever for next simplest atom, helium.
4. It could not explain why some emission lines are brighter than others.
5. It could not explain why some lines are split into two or more closely spaced lines called fine structure.

Conclusion:

Finally the well-defined orbits of the Bohr model do not actually exist. The Bohr model is only a model, not reality. The concept in Bohr model like stationary states, the ground state and transitions between states are still in use. The terminology used in the Bohr model is still used by chemists and spectroscopists.