Rutherford suggested that:
- Electrons revolve around the nucleus in a circular path.
- This is not possible because, if a particle follows a circular orbit, it will undergo acceleration (due to change in velocity as a result of continuous change in direction in a circular path).
- During acceleration, charged particles radiate and lose energy.
- After losing all energy, the charged electron will ultimately fall into the nucleus.
- This would make the atom very unstable.
- But we know that atoms are actually stable.
- Hence, there was a flaw in Rutherford's model of an atom.
Examples -
In text Question - Page 49 Q2, Q4
NCERT Back Exercise - Q3, Q15
Since Rutherford was unable to explain the drawbacks of his model,
Bohr came up with his model of atom.