Question

(a) What are the two main features of Rutherford's atomic model ?

(b) State its one drawback.

Answer 1

(a) According to Rutherford’s model an atom consists of:1. The centrally located nucleus: The nucleus is a centrally located positively charged mass. The
entire mass of the atom is concentrated in it. It is the densest part of the atom. Its size is very
small as compare to the atom as a whole.
2. The outer circular orbits: Electrons revolve in circular orbits (shell) in the space available around
the nucleus. An atom is electrically neutral i.e., number of protons and electrons present in an
atom are equal.
(b) Rutherford’s atomic model could not explain the stability of the atom as it is like a solar system, the
sun is at the centre and the planets revolve around it, in an atom the electrons revolve around the
centrally located nucleus containing protons.