Question
Mention the merits of Bohr’s model of atomic structure. What are the old and new concept Bohr introduced in his model?
Answer
Merits of Bohr’s model:
- Explained the stability of an atom by quantizing electron energy levels.
- Successfully explained the atomic spectra of hydrogen.
- Introduced the concept of quantization of angular momentum.
- Opened the path for the development of quantum mechanics.
| Old concept | New concept |
|---|---|
| The electron orbits the nucleus. | Electrons move in fixed circular orbits of specific energy levels. |
| No explanation for the stability of the atom. | Explains the stability of an atom. |
| No explanation for the origin of the spectral lines. | Explains the origin of the spectral lines by the transitions of electrons between different energy levels. |
| Electrons can lose energy continuously. | Electrons can only lose or gain energy by jumping from one energy level to another in a discrete way. |
