Chapter 4, Problem 43A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The location of the electrons in Thomson’s “plum-pudding” model of the atom is to be described.

Concept Introduction : The electrons were discovered by Thomson that revolve around the nucleus whose charge is negative. Thomson gave an atomic model known as the plum-pudding model.

Answer to Problem 43A

In the Thomson model, the electrons are struck into the positive charge.

Explanation of Solution

The electrons were discovered by Thomson. Thomson thought that the electrons were distributed uniformly throughout an atom that was uniformly packed with positively charged substances.

Thomson called his theory, in which the electrons were struck into a mass of positive charge, a plum-pudding theory. This configuration resembles a raisin in the dough.