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Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding RutherfordтАЩs model of the atom? Statement 1: The atom has a positively charged dense nucleus at its centre. Statement 2: Electrons revolve in circular orbits around the nucleus without losing energy. Statement 3: Most of the space inside the atom is empty.
Only 1, 2 and 3
Only 1 and 3
Only 2 and 3
Only 1 and 2
Only 1 and 3
Rutherford's model, derived from the alpha-particle scattering experiment, correctly identified that an atom's mass and positive charge are concentrated in a tiny central nucleus and that most of the atom is empty space. However, it failed to explain atomic stability because, according to classical electrodynamics, a revolving electron should continuously radiate energy and spiral into the nucleus.
Rutherford's model, derived from the alpha-particle scattering experiment, correctly identified that an atom's mass and positive charge are concentrated in a tiny central nucleus and that most of the atom is empty space. However, it failed to explain atomic stability because, according to classical electrodynamics, a revolving electron should continuously radiate energy and spiral into the nucleus.
Think of the atom like a tiny solar system: the nucleus is the massive sun, and electrons are planets; however, unlike real planets, these 'charged planets' should theoretically lose energy and crash into the sun due to friction (radiation loss), which is why Rutherford's model needed correction by Bohr.
R-N-E: Rutherford (R) said Nucleus (N) exists, but Electron (E) stability was the flaw.
FcтАЛ=rmv2тАЛ тАФ Centripetal force required for circular motion
EtotalтАЛ=K.E.+P.E. тАФ Energy balance equation in electrostatic fields
The model proposed a planetary structure where electrostatic force (FeтАЛ=4╧А╧╡0тАЛ1тАЛтЛЕr2Ze2тАЛ) provides the necessary centripetal force for electron orbital motion. Because accelerating charges emit electromagnetic radiation according to Maxwell's theory, the model predicted that electrons would lose energy and collapse, which contradicts the stability of matter.
The nucleus is positively charged and dense, occupying a very small volume.
Most of the atom's volume consists of empty space, explaining why most alpha particles pass undeflected.
The model failed to account for the stability of the atom.
It did not explain the distribution of electrons around the nucleus.
Introduced the concept of a small, dense nucleus.
Successfully explained the large-angle scattering of alpha particles.
Could not explain the stability of the atom based on classical physics.
Could not explain the line spectra of elements.
Foundation for the development of the Bohr model of the atom.
Led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus via the gold foil experiment.
The alpha-particle scattering experiment used gold foil due to its high malleability.
Statement 2 is incorrect because classical physics predicts that an accelerating charged particle loses energy continuously.
B is correct тАФ Rutherford correctly identified the dense nucleus and empty space, but his model incorrectly assumed electrons could revolve indefinitely without energy loss.
Always remember that Rutherford's model is a 'Pre-Bohr' model; if the question asks about stability or spectra, remember that Rutherford's model fails, but Bohr's model succeeds by introducing quantized orbits.