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What are the limitations of Rutherford’s model of the atom?
Answer
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.
