History of Bohr’s Atomic Model
Bohr’s model came in the form of an improvement after the previously proposed Atomic models like the cubic model (1902), plum-pudding model (1904), Saturnian model (1904), and Rutherford model (1911). Bohr’s model is mainly the modification based on quantum physics over the Rutherford model, which was based on classical physics.
The model was able to successfully explain the concept of the Rydberg formula for the spectral emission lines of atomic hydrogen. Previously the Rydberg formula was known only experimentally, but theoretically, it was not proved, the Bohr model introduced the theoretical concept successfully.
The previously proposed planetary models of the atom also had some problems. They used to consider electrons spinning in orbit around a nucleus as a charged particle moving in an electric field, but there was no explanation for the fact that the electron would spiral into the nucleus. Viewing in terms of electron emission, this would represent a continuum of frequencies being emitted since, as the electron moved closer to the nucleus, it will move faster and will emit a different frequency which was observed experimentally. These planetary models ultimately predicted all atoms to be unstable due to orbital decay, which was not true, and the phenomenon was successfully explained by Bohr’s model.
Bohr’s Model of an Atom
Bohr’s Model is an atomic model proposed by Danish Physicist Niels Bohr in 1913. According to this model, in an atom, the electrons revolve around the nucleus in definite energy levels called orbits/shells. This model provides a basic understanding of the concept of the atom and its constituents.
Let’s learn more about Bhor’s Atomic Model, its limitations, and others in detail in this article.