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Question
What are the limitations of Rutherford’s model of the atom?
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Solution
(i) An electron orbiting around the nucleus is accelerated towards it. An accelerating charged particle must produce radiation and lose energy. Thus, electrons in an atom must constantly emit radiation and lose energy. Because of this energy loss, the electron will slow down and cannot withstand the nucleus' attraction. As a result, the electron should spiral and eventually fall into the nucleus (see image).
If this occurs, the atom should collapse in approximately 10-8 seconds. However, this does not occur; atoms are stable. This suggests that something is amiss with Rutherford's nuclear model of atoms.

(ii) Rutherford's atomic model says nothing about how electrons are arranged in an atom.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Rutherford’s alpha-particle scattering experiment was responsible for the discovery of ______.
What important information is furnished about the nucleus of an atom by the alpha particle scattering experiment of Rutherford?
(a) What is the nucleus of an atom and what is the nature of charge on it?
(b) Name the scientist who discovered the nucleus of atom.
Name the particles used by Rutherford in his experiment on the discovery of nucleus. Also state the charge on these particles.
In what way is the Rutherford’s atomic model different from that of Thomson’s atomic model?
Proton was discovered by ______.
Rutherford used beta particles in his scattering experiments.
Higher-Order Thinking skills: (HOTS)
How Rutherford’s model is different from that proposed by J.J. Thomson?
Rutherford’s model of an atom has a very small ______ at the center.
When an α-particle happens to come near a nucleus the intense electric field of these scatters it through a large angle then what is the effect of atomic electrons on α-particle?
