Structure of Atom

Lecture -1
ATOMIC MODELS:
1. Thomson Model of Atom
2. Rutherford’s Nuclear Model of Atom
Ques. Describe Rutherford scattering experiment. What conclusion has
he drawn from this experiment?
Ans. In 1910, Rutherford investigated the scattering of alpha particles by thin foil of
gold and as the result of that he suggested that:
i. An atom consists of very small sized positively charged nucleus.
ii. Whole mass of atom is concentrated in the nucleus. The atom is largely empty.
iii. As the atom is neutral and the central part nucleus is positively charged so
electrons are present is equal to the nuclear positive charge.
iv. The electrons are at a distance from the nucleus and are constantly revolving
around the nucleus in closed orbits.
v. The electron must be moving with a sufficiently high velocities, so that they can
orbit the nucleus, just as the earth orbits the sum. If the earth ever stopped moving,
it would fall into the sun. The electrons revolving around the nucleus are from this
analogy, called planetary electrons. Thus, atomic model is similar to the solar system.
Ques. Give the drawbacks of Rutherford’s atomic model.
Ans. According to Rutherford’s model, electron is orbiting the nucleus
hence the direction of their velocity is constantly changing that is the
electrons are accelerating. This will cause the electrons to emit or radiate
energy and electron will have lesser and lesser energy and will get closer
and closer to the nucleus until at last it spirals into the nucleus. - An
electron moving inward along a spiral path must continuously radiate
energy. However in actual practice spectral lines of fixed wavelength are
observed.