Question

Rutherford model of an atom is similar to the _______

Answer 1

Rutherford's model of an atom:

• The whole mass and positive charge of an atom are concentrated in a very small region at the center known as the nucleus.
• The positive charge on the nucleus is due to protons. Since the number of protons is different for atoms of different elements, therefore, the magnitude of positive charge on the nucleus is different for atoms of different elements.
• The nucleus is surrounded by negatively charged particles called electrons. The number of electrons in an atom is equal to the number of protons (positively charged) in the nucleus. Thus, the atom as a whole is neutral.
• The electrons are revolving around the nucleus at a very high speed.
• Most of the space in an atom is empty.

In the same way, in the solar system, different planets revolve around the sun in the same manner, in an atom, the electron revolves around the nucleus.

Therefore, Rutherford's model of an atom is similar to the solar system.