Does Bohr Model Contradict Classical Physics?

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SUMMARY

The Bohr Model of the atom does not contradict classical physics but rather adheres to its principles while imposing additional conditions. The primary violation of classical mechanics occurs with the assumption that electrons are fixed in circular orbits, which requires centripetal acceleration due to electric attractive forces. This model introduces restrictions on allowed orbits, particularly the concept of non-radiating electron orbits, which is often misrepresented in textbooks. Understanding these limitations is crucial for grasping the relationship between classical mechanics and quantum mechanics, particularly in the context of de Broglie wavelength analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics, specifically centripetal acceleration
  • Familiarity with the Bohr Model of the atom
  • Basic knowledge of electric forces and their role in atomic structure
  • Introduction to quantum mechanics concepts, particularly de Broglie wavelength
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of centripetal acceleration in atomic models
  • Study the limitations of the Bohr Model in the context of quantum mechanics
  • Explore the concept of non-radiating orbits and their significance in atomic theory
  • Learn about de Broglie wavelength and its application in modern physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching atomic theory, and anyone interested in the intersection of classical and quantum mechanics will benefit from this discussion.

Yael
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a question asks if the Bohr model contredicts in any way classical physics.

i replied that only the first assumption that the electrons are fixed in circular orbits violates the laws of classical mechanics - of the idea of centripetal acceleration (?)
am i right to say that?
did i miss anything else? :-S
 
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What do you mean? The Bohr Model REQUIRES centripetal acceleration
(caused by electric attractive Force) to obtain these circular orbits.

The Bohr Model (as any other model) ADHERES TO classical Physics,
and imposes ADDITIONAL limitations, restrictions, or conditions ...
in particular, each electron must extend all the way around the orbit.
(otherwise the changing Electic & magnetic fields would radiate Energy.)

Textbook authors like to treat the "non-radiating electron orbit" statement
as a restriction on "allowed" orbits, rather than as describing an electron.
But in doing so, they hide the explanation of why some orbits don't radiate,
and they do not foreshadow the deBroglie wavelength analysis.
 

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