A major limitation of Rutherford's model was its inability to explain:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Stability of the atom and the atomic spectrum
Explanation
Rutherford's atomic model failed to explain how an atom could remain stable. According to Maxwell's electromagnetic theory, when a charged particle undergoes acceleration, it emits energy. Since an electron orbits the nucleus, it must be constantly accelerating. By continuously losing energy in this manner, the electron should gradually spiral closer to the nucleus and eventually collapse into it, which would cause the atom to be destroyed. Since atoms are actually stable, Rutherford's model could not prove this stability. Furthermore, Rutherford's model also failed to explain the line spectrum emitted by atoms.
The other options are not correct because Rutherford's alpha particle scattering experiment was the foundation of this model; therefore, the deflection of alpha particles was a success of this model rather than a limitation. The existence of isotopes and the indivisible nature of atoms were subjects of later research and theories, which were not the primary flaws of Rutherford's initial model.
Key Points
Rutherford's model was extremely important for the discovery of the nucleus, but it was incomplete in explaining electron motion and the stability of energy within the atomic structure. These shortcomings were later addressed by Niels Bohr through his atomic model, in which he introduced the concept of fixed energy levels and orbits.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which famous experiment did Rutherford conduct to propose his model?
Answer: Alpha particle scattering experiment.
Question: Which scientist presented a better model of the atom after the failure of Rutherford's model?
Answer: Niels Bohr.