Difference between Rutherford and Bohr's theory of atom

In summary: Rutherford was not aware of the concept of conservation of energy. So, in summary, the difference between Rutherford's and Bohr's theory of atom is that Bohr's model has a discrete spectrum while Rutherford's model has a continuous spectrum.
  • #1
terryds
392
13

Homework Statement



The difference between Rutherford's and Bohr's theory of atom is ...

A. Bohr's spectrum of hydrogen atom is discrete while Rutherford's continuous
B. Bohr's stated electron goes around the nucleon while radiating energy, while Rutherford's not radiating energy.
C. Bohr's electron travels in stationary path while Rutherford's parabolic path
D. Bohr's stated stationary path has no energy, while Rutherford's path has energy
E. Bohr's electron can't switch its path, while Rutherford's electron can switch its path

Homework Equations



No equation

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
It seems that A and C is correct, right ?
I'm confused
 
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  • #2
What is a "stationary path" ? Can you find any reference that cites Rutherford's belief that electrons travel in "parabolic paths" ? :-)
 
  • #3
slider142 said:
What is a "stationary path" ? Can you find any reference that cites Rutherford's belief that electrons travel in "parabolic paths" ? :-)

Stationary path means that the electron will not "absorbed" into the nucleon. I mean the electron will not lose its energy.
So, Rutherford didn't say that the electron travels in parabolic paths?
Hmm...
Yes, you're right. Electron travels in spiral not parabolic path

Okay, I think the answer is A. Thank you
 
  • #4
A. Bohr's spectrum of hydrogen atom is discrete while Rutherford's continuous, can be called as correct and other statements contain such terms and statements which neither Rutherford nor Bohr can think of. only a test-maker who had to some how produce a multiple choice test item.
 
  • #5
In Bohr's semi quantum approach, electron is supposed to travel in a circular path and in Rutherford's theory which is completely classical the electron will spiral into the nucleus. Spiral is a circle of continually decreasing radius.
 

1. What are the main differences between Rutherford and Bohr's theory of atom?

The main difference between Rutherford and Bohr's theory of atom is the way they explain the structure of an atom. Rutherford's theory states that atoms have a dense, positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons, whereas Bohr's theory proposes that electrons orbit around the nucleus in fixed energy levels or shells.

2. How did Rutherford and Bohr's experiments contribute to our understanding of the atom?

Rutherford's famous gold foil experiment showed that the atom is mostly empty space with a small, dense nucleus at its center. Bohr's experiments built upon this idea and proposed that electrons exist in specific energy levels, helping us understand the stability of atoms and their spectral lines.

3. Which theory is considered more accurate - Rutherford or Bohr's?

Both Rutherford and Bohr's theories have their own strengths and limitations. Rutherford's model is accurate in explaining the structure of the atom, while Bohr's model is more useful in explaining the behavior of electrons. However, neither theory fully explains the complex nature of the atom, and modern atomic theory has evolved to incorporate elements of both models.

4. How did Bohr's theory improve upon Rutherford's model?

Bohr's theory improved upon Rutherford's model by introducing the concept of quantized energy levels for electrons. This helped explain the stability of atoms and their spectral lines, which Rutherford's model could not account for. Bohr's model also introduced the idea of electron shells, which is still used in modern atomic theory.

5. Why are Rutherford and Bohr's theories still important in modern atomic theory?

Despite their limitations, Rutherford and Bohr's theories were groundbreaking in understanding the structure and behavior of atoms. They laid the foundation for further research and development in atomic theory, leading to our current understanding of subatomic particles, atomic bonding, and nuclear reactions. Their contributions are still relevant and influential in modern atomic theory.

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