Question

Which of the following conclusions could not be derived from Rutherford's $\alpha$-particles scattering experiment?

• A. Most of the space in the atom is empty.
• B. The radius of the nucleus is about ${10}^5$ times less than the radius of the atom.
• C. Electrons move in a circular path of fixed energy called orbits.
• D. Electrons and the nucleus are held together by the electrostatic force of attraction.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Electrons move in a circular path of fixed energy called orbits.

Based on Rutherford's $\alpha$-particles scattering experiment, the nuclear model of the atom was proposed as:

(i) Positive charge and most of the mass of the atom is densely concentrated in an extremely small region called the nucleus. The radius of the nucleus is about ${10}^5$ times less than the radius of the atom.

(ii) The electrons revolve around the nucleus in circular paths.

(iii) Electrons and the nucleus are held together by electrostatic forces of attraction.

The revolution of the electron in a circular orbit is not expected to be stable. Any particle in a circular orbit would undergo acceleration. During acceleration, charged particles would radiate energy. Thus, the revolving electron would lose energy and finally fall into the nucleus. If this were so, the atom should be highly unstable and hence matter would not exist in the form that we know. The concept of stationary state or orbits with fixed energy was given by Bohr's theory and not by Rutherford's theory.