Question

Write the postulates of Bohr atomic theory

Answer 1

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The Bohr model postulates that electrons orbit the nucleus at fixed energy levels. Orbits further from the nucleus exist at higher energy levels. When electrons return to a lower energy level, they emit energy in the form of light.

Answer 2

Bohr's Model of an Atom

Bohr model of the atom was proposed by Neil Bohr in 1915. It came into existence with the modification of Rutherford’s model of an atom. Rutherford’s model introduced the nuclear model of an atom, in which he explained that a nucleus (positively charged) is surrounded by negatively charged electrons.

Bohr modified this atomic structure model by explaining that electrons move in fixed orbitals (shells) and not anywhere in between and he also explained that each orbit (shell) has a fixed energy level. Rutherford basically explained the nucleus of an atom and Bohr modified that model into electrons and their energy levels.

Bohr’s model consists of a small nucleus (positively charged) surrounded by negative electrons moving around the nucleus in orbits. Bohr found that an electron located away from the nucleus has more energy, and electrons close to the nucleus have less energy.

Postulates of Bohr’s Model of an Atom

In an atom, electrons (negatively charged) revolve around the positively charged nucleus in a definite circular path called orbits or shells.

Each orbit or shell has a fixed energy and these circular orbits are known as orbital shells.

The energy levels are represented by an integer (n=1, 2, 3…) known as the quantum number. This range of quantum number starts from nucleus side with n=1 having the lowest energy level. The orbits n=1, 2, 3, 4… are assigned as K, L, M, N…. shells and when an electron attains the lowest energy level, it is said to be in the ground state.

The electrons in an atom move from a lower energy level to a higher energy level by gaining the required energy and an electron moves from a higher energy level to lower energy level by losing energy.

Limitations of Bohr’s Model of an Atom

Bohr’s model of an atom failed to explain the Zeeman Effect (effect of magnetic field on the spectra of atoms).

It also failed to explain the Stark effect (effect of electric field on the spectra of atoms).

It violates the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.

It could not explain the spectra obtained from larger atoms.