How does Rutherford's Atomic Model explain energy loss in revolving electrons?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the limitations of Rutherford's Atomic Model, specifically addressing how it accounts for energy loss in revolving electrons. Participants explore the implications of classical mechanics and electromagnetic radiation in the context of atomic structure.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how electrons in Rutherford's model lose energy, arguing that centripetal force does no work and should not lead to energy loss.
  • Another participant asserts that charged particles in acceleration emit electromagnetic radiation, which results in energy loss for electrons orbiting the nucleus, leading to a spiral into the nucleus.
  • A repeated point emphasizes the contradiction between classical mechanics, where orbiting bodies do not emit radiation, and the behavior expected from Rutherford's model.
  • A question is raised about the underlying cause of radiation emission by electrons.
  • A suggestion is made to refer to Larmor's radiation formula for a classical electrodynamics explanation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the energy loss of electrons in Rutherford's model, with some arguing against the model's adequacy while others seek clarification on the mechanisms involved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the assumptions about energy loss mechanisms or the applicability of classical mechanics to atomic models.

moatasim23
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I studied it in a book that Rutherfords Atomic Model was Unsatisfactory bcz the revolving electrons in his model would lose energy.How would they lose energy as far as I know they are kept in rotation by the centripetal force and work done by centripetal force is 0.NO work done no energy loss.Then how would the revolution cause the electron to lose energy?
 
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Charged particles undergoing acceleration emit electromagnetic radiation. That radiation has energy. So an electron orbiting the nucleus of an atom would continuously emit electromagnetic radiation and spiral into the nucleus. This is why Rutherford's model is not satisfactory.

This isn't what you expect if you consider classical mechanics since orbiting bodies (such as planets) do not emit radiation.
 
Pengwuino said:
Charged particles undergoing acceleration emit electromagnetic radiation. That radiation has energy. So an electron orbiting the nucleus of an atom would continuously emit electromagnetic radiation and spiral into the nucleus. This is why Rutherford's model is not satisfactory.

This isn't what you expect if you consider classical mechanics since orbiting bodies (such as planets) do not emit radiation.

DO we know what causes the electron to emit radiations?
 
For the classical electrodynamics explanation, see the derivation of Larmor's radiation formula. (Try a Google search on that phrase.)
 

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