Chapter 11, Problem 2A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The Rutherford atomic model needs to be sketched and its drawback needs to be explained.

Concept introduction: Rutherford’s atomic model describes that the nucleus of an atom is small and dense and possesses a positive charge and the electrons with negative charge revolve around the nucleus in a circular motion.

Answer to Problem 2A

Rutherford couldn’t explain why the electron doesn’t fall into the nucleus.

Explanation of Solution

Sketch of the Rutherford model is

  

The nucleus is densely packed with a positive charge and the electrons are revolving around it.

Rutherford’s atomic model, couldn’t explain

1. The stability of electrons.
2. It cannot explain the energy spectrum of an electron.

Conclusion

If electrons revolve in a circular motion thus, they radiate energy and if electrons lose their energy they fall into the nucleus and the atom becomes unstable but, this cannot be true as the atom is stable.