Niels Bohr Atomic Model And Limitations

Thomson’s atomic model and Rutherford’s atomic model failed to answer any questions related to the energy of an atom and its stability.

Table of Contents

• Bohr’s Theory
• Recommended Videos
• Limitations of Bohr Atomic Model Theory
• Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Bohr’s Theory – Bohr’s Atomic Model

In the year 1913, Niels Bohr proposed an atomic structure model, describing an atom as a small, positively charged nucleus surrounded by electrons that travel in circular orbits around the positively charged nucleus like planets around the sun in our solar system, with attraction provided by electrostatic forces, popularly known as Bohr’s atomic model. It was basically an improved version of Rutherford’s atomic model overcoming its limitations. On most of the points, he is in agreement with him, like concepts of nucleus and electrons orbiting it. Salient features of Niels Bohr atomic model are:

• Electrons revolve around the nucleus in stable orbits without emission of radiant energy. Each orbit has a definite energy and is called an energy shell or energy level.
• An orbit or energy level is designated as K, L, M, N shells. When the electron is in the lowest energy level, it is said to be in the ground state.
• An electron emits or absorbs energy when it jumps from one orbit or energy level to another. When it jumps from a higher energy level to lower energy level it emits energy while it absorbs energy when it jumps from a lower energy level to a higher energy level.
• The energy absorbed or emitted is equal to the difference between the energies of the two energy levels (E₁, E₂) and is determined by Plank’s equation.

ΔE = E₂-E₁ = h𝜈

Where,

ΔE = energy absorbed or emitted
h= Plank’s constant
𝜈= frequency of electromagnetic radiation emitted or absorbed

• The angular momentum of an electron revolving in energy shells is given by:

m_evr = nh/2π

Where,
n= number of corresponding energy shell; 1, 2, 3 …..
m_e= mass of the electron
v= velocity
r=radius
h= Plank’s constant

Recommended Videos

Bohr’s Model of an Atom

Limitations of Bohr Atomic Model Theory

• It violates the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. The Bohr atomic model theory considers electrons to have both a known radius and orbit i.e. known position and momentum at the same time, which is impossible according to Heisenberg.
• The Bohr atomic model theory made correct predictions for smaller sized atoms like hydrogen, but poor spectral predictions are obtained when larger atoms are considered.
• It failed to explain the Zeeman effect when the spectral line is split into several components in the presence of a magnetic field.
• It failed to explain the Stark effect when the spectral line gets split up into fine lines in the presence of an electric field.

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Read more:

• Energy level diagram

• Planck’s Quantum Theory