Question

Which of the following is the drawback of Rutherford's Model?

• A. He could not explain the deflection of alpha particles from gold foil
• B. He could not explain the overall neutrality of an atom
• C. He could not explain the stability of an atom
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C He could not explain the stability of an atom

Rutherford could not explain the stability of an atom.
Reason: Electrons are compared with planets and nucleus with the sun. But, the electrons are charged particles, and when they move in an external electric field, they do so with acceleration, thereby losing their energy and emitting radiation. If the energy of an electron keeps decreasing, then it will follow a spiral path and finally fall into the nucleus, destroying and damaging the atom. This never happens as atoms are fairly stable.