Difference-between-the-Bohr-Model-of-the-Atom-and-the-Rutherford-Model

The Rutherford model, and the Bohr model, is models that describe the structure of Anatom. Ernest Rutherford proposed the Rutherford model in 1911. Niels Bohr proposed the Bohr model in 1915. Bohr model can be considered a modification to Rutherford model. Bohr model can explain energy levels within an atom, while Rutherford model cannot.

The main Difference between the Bohr model of the Atom and the Rutherford Model.

So instead of asking describe the main difference between the Bohr model of the atom and the Rutherford model. Follow this post to learn it.

What is a Bohr Model?

It is an atomic theory, which is the modification to the Rutherford model. Neil Bohr, a Danish Physicist, proposed the atomic theory in 1922.

Based on the lines of spectra for hydrogen atoms, the model was created. According to the theory, electrons travel in orbit shells around the nucleus.

These orbit shells, as per Rutherford-Bohr theory, have different energy levels and a spherical form.

Bohr theory contains small, negatively charged electrons that revolve around a positively charged nucleus. One electron can absorb or release energy from the outermost orbit shell.

Bohr Atomic Modelles postulation

  • The orbit shells and energy levels are where electrons travel.
  • Orbits are stationary and provide a fixed circular path
  • Each orbit is unique in its energy and size.
  • The orbit’s size is directly related to the energy it produces
  • The lowest energy orbit has the smallest radius
  • Radiation can be either emitted by electrons or absorbed by them as they move around the orbit shells

Bohr Atomic model’s shortcomings

  • It does not adhere to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
  • The incorrect value of orbital angular momentum should be provided.
  • It does not give a clear description about the spectra for larger atoms
  • This explanation does not account for the Zeeman Effect.

What is a Rutherford Atomic Model and How Does It Work?

Rutherford’s atomic model says that an atom is composed of a core. The core contains all of the atom’s mass. The central core is home to light-weight particles.

It also explains why the central core is positively charged, while the constituents moving around it are negatively charged.

Ernest Rutherford was the scientist who discovered the atomic model in 1913. Rutherford’s gold foil experiment was the catalyst for this research.

To provide an explanation, the primary purpose of this experiment was to observe how alpha particles were reflected through gold foil.

Rutherford Atomic Model Postulation Using Gold Foil Experiment

  • The nucleus contains atoms and they are positively charged.
  • Negatively charged particles surround the nucleus of an atom.
  • An atom can be either inert or electrically unaltered.
  • A atom is larger than a nucleus

Rutherford Atomic Model: Shortcomings

  • The electromagnetic theory is not suitable for explanation
  • Uncertain explanations about the spectrum and stability lines of an atom are available.
  • A poor description of the arrangement of electrons

Difference between the Bohr model of the Atom and the Rutherford Model

  • The Bohr model was proposed in 1922, while the Rutherford model was in 1913.
  • Bohr model observation is built on the line spectra for the hydrogen atom, while Rutherford model observation are built on gold foil experiment
  • The presence of discrete energie levels is not explained by the Rutherford model, while the Bohr model does.
  • Bohr’s model shows a relationship between size and orbit energy, while Rutherford does not provide a description of orbit energy or size.
  • Bohr model emission is in the line of spectrum, while Rutherford model emits in continuous spectrum

In conclusion

Rutherford’s and Bohrs’s atomic models both explain the structure of anatom. However, there are slight differences in the way that they distinguish. Bohr’s atomic model suggests the existence of energy levels, while Rutherford’s atomic model doesn’t provide any explanation for orbital shells.

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