Question

Rutherford stated that the electron revolves in circular orbit around the nucleus. According to classical theory, the path of such electron would be,

• A. a spiral
• B. a circle
• C. a parabola
• D. a straight line

Answer 1

The correct option is A a spiral

Consider an electron revolving in circular orbit, with constant speed, around a nucleus. As uniform circular motion is an accelerated motion and an accelerated charge produces electromagnetic waves, the revolving electron will continuously emit electromagnetic waves. As a result, its kinetic energy will go on decreasing, and it will revolve in a circular path of steadily decreasing radius, i.e a spiral

Hence, $\left(A\right)$ is the correct answer.