Rutherford's nuclear model of an atom is also called a planetary model of the atom. Explain.
Open in App
Solution
Rutherford's model of an atom
Based upon the observations and conclusions from the alpha scattering experiment, Rutherford proposed the structure of an atom. This is known as the Rutherford nuclear model of the atom. The main features are as follows.
In an atom most of the space is empty.
Every atom consists of a small, positively charged nucleus that is situated at the center of the atom. The entire mass and charge of an atom are concentrated at this positive center.
The electrons are revolving around the nucleus in a definite circular path known as shells or orbits like a planet revolving around the sun. Hence this model is also called the planetary model of the atom.
In an atom, the electrons present in an orbit are equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. So, the atom is electrically neutral.
The size of the nucleus is very very small as compared to the size of the atom.
The force of attraction between the negatively charged electrons and the positively charged nucleus is electrostatic in nature and this force is responsible for holding the atom together.
