Question

According to classical theory, if an electron is moving in a circular orbit around the nucleus:

• A. it will continue to do so for sometime
• B. its orbit will continuously shrink
• C. its orbit will continuously enlarge
• D. it will continue to do so for all the time

Answer 1

The correct option is B its orbit will continuously shrink

According to the classical theory if an electron is moving in a circular orbit around the nucleus its orbit will continuously shrink.

The electron must emit radiation and gradually lose energy, its motion would slow down and it would not be able to withstand the attraction of the nucleus. The orbit would become smaller and smaller and the electron would fall into the nucleus.