Question

Give reason for the following

Rutherford's atomic model is called the ‘planetary model of an atom’.

Answer 1

Rutherford's atomic model-

• The Discovery of the nucleus within an atom is attributed to Ernest Rutherford.
• Rutherford performed rays scattering experiment and came to the following conclusions.
• An atom consists of a dense, heavy, positively charged central part called the nucleus, which consists of neutrons and protons.
• The size of the nucleus is very small to that of an atom.
• The electrons are at very large distances from the nucleus.
• There is a large vacant space between the nucleus and electrons.
• The total positive charge on the nucleus is equal to the total negative charge, making an atom electrically neutral.
• The electrons are revolving around the nucleus in circular paths.
• He compared the revolution of electrons around the nucleus to the revolution of planets around a star.
• Thus, Rutherford's model of the atom is also known as the planetary model of an atom.