Bohrs Model - History, Structure, Theories, Limitations, FAQs

Bohrs Model - History, Structure, Theories, Limitations, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:26 PM IST

Bohr's model of the atom was originally proposed by Neil Bohr in 1915. And further modified by Rutherford. The Rutherford model introduces the nuclear atom model, in which he explains that poorly charged electrons surround the nucleus (well-charged). The Bohr model consists of a small (well-charged) nucleus surrounded by negative electrons moving around the nucleus in pathways. Bohr found that electrons located far from the nucleus are more powerful, and electrons close to the nucleus are less powerful.

This Story also Contains
  1. Postulates of Bohr Model Atom
  2. Limitations of Bohr Model Atom
  3. History of the Bohr Model
  4. Modified Bohr Model
  5. Sommerfeld atomic model
Bohrs Model - History, Structure, Theories, Limitations, FAQs
Bohrs Model - History, Structure, Theories, Limitations, FAQs

Postulates of Bohr Model Atom

In an atom, electrons (badly charged) revolve around a well-charged nucleus in a clear circular pattern called orbits or shells.

Each circle or shell has a fixed force and these circular lines are known as orbital shells.

Power levels are represented by a whole number (n = 1, 2, 3…) known as a quantum number.

This quantum numerical range starts from the side of the nucleus with n = 1 having the lowest energy level.

Orbits n = 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on... are assigned as K, L, M, N, and so on… shells, and when the electron reaches a very low level of energy, it is said to be in the ground state.

Electrons in the atom go from low energy to high energy by getting the energy needed and electrons move from high energy to high energy levels by losing energy.

Limitations of Bohr Model Atom

Bohr's atomic model failed to explain the effect of Zeeman (the effect of magnetic force on a series of atoms).

It also failed to explain the effect of Stark (the effect of the electric field on the atomic spectrum).

It violates the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle rule.

Could not define spectra obtained from large atoms.

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History of the Bohr Model

The discovery of electrons and radioactivity in the late 19th century led to a variety of proposed atomic formations.

In 1913, Niels Bohr proposed the idea of a hydrogen atom, based on the quantum assumption that a certain body part takes only different amounts. Electrons revolve around the nucleus, but only in fixed lines, and When electrons cross the low-energy path, the difference is sent as radiation. Bohr's model explained why atoms only emit light at fixed wavelengths, and later inject ideas into light quanta.

Modified Bohr Model

Despite the success of the Bohr model, there have been major flaws. On the test side, a detailed analysis of hydrogen extraction found a single extraction line actually consisting of two or more closely spaced lines, a feature not found in the Bohr model. Theoretically, the Bohr model mixes particle images with electron waves, which were considered by many to be unsatisfactory.

For these reasons, better treatment of hydrogen atoms was bought when the electron was considered a wave from the beginning. This theory, developed by Heisenberg, Pauli, Schrödinger, Sommerfeld, and others, is well mathematically accurate. The main result from this theory is that four Quantum Numbers describe the state of the electron, compared to the single quantum n number present in the Bohr model. These quantum numbers are as follows:

n, the principle quantum number. This is similar to the Bohr type, and can take up values of 1,2,3, ....

l, orbital quantum number. This is a label that describes the magnitude of the angular pressure of an electron. With a given n, l can take values 0,1,2, ..., n - 1.

ml, the number of spin-orbital quantum. This is a label that describes the angular component of an electron vector. For a given l, ml can take values - l, - l + 1, ..., - 1,0,1, ..., l - 1, l.

ms, the quantum spin number. This label, in a very limited sense, can be regarded as setting a point where an electron rotates on its axis. ms can take one of two values, $ \ pm $ 1/2.

Therefore, for a given n, there may be 2n 2 areas with different values of l, ml, and ms.

Historically, the primary quantum n label is called a Shell, and n = 1,2,3, ... the shell is sometimes called the K, L, M, ... shell.

The number of orbital quantum l labels subshells, and l = 0,1,2,3,4, ... the subshell is also called s, p, d, f, ... subshell.

If we consider starting electrons to form different atoms, then one would expect all the electrons to enter the lowest energy state, namely n = 1 and l = 0 = ml. This does not happen in nature, however. Paul explained this by posting that the electrons adhere to what is now called the Pauli emission system:

No two electrons in a system can have the same sets of quantum numbers.

Sommerfeld atomic model

To explain the fine structure of spectral lines, Sommerfeld introduced two major changes in Bohr's thinking.

(i) According to Sommerfeld, the electron path around the nucleus is, in general, a circle with a nucleus in one of its foci.

(ii) The electron velocity of an elliptical orbit varies with different parts of the orbit. This results in variations in the intensity of the moving electron.

Now, when elliptical lines are allowed, one has to deal with a wide variety of variations.

(i) Different electron distance from the nucleus (r).

(ii) Different angular position of the electron in relation to the nucleus eg azimuthal angle φ

To address these two changes, two quantum numbers are introduced

(i) A large quantum n quantum n theory of Bohr, which determines electron energy, and

(ii) a new quantum number called the orbital (or azimuthal) quantum number (l) introduced to match the angular force in an orbit e.g., determines the orbital angular force of the electron. Its values vary from zero to (n-1) in the singular steps.

This quantum orbital number (l) assists in locating elliptical orbits. Possible elliptical lines are that of

b / a = l + 1 / n

when a and b are large and small axes in the order of the ellipse.

According to Sommerfeld's model, in any of the quantum n numbers, there are possible variations in the so called sub sub-shells. With the exception of subshells, one is round and the remainder (i.e., n-1) has an elliptical shape.

The lower extremities have slightly different strengths due to differences in electron mass density.

Consider the initial energy level (n = 1). When n = 1, l = 0 that is, at this energy level, there is only one orbital or subshell of the electron. Also, when a = b, two ellipse axes are equal. As a result, the orbit corresponding n = 1 is a circle. This subscription is selected as a sub-shell. As, the bottom shell belongs to n = 1, it is called 1s

Similarly, at the second level of energy n = 2, there are two electrons allowed. At n = 2, l can take two values, 0 and 1.

When n = 2, l = 0.

b / a = 0 + 1/2 = 1/2

or

b = a / 2

This text corresponding to l = 0 is elliptical in shape and is set as 2s.

where n = 2, l = 1.

b / a = 1 + 1/2 = 2/2 = 1

or

b = a

This subshell corresponding to l = 1 is circular and is shaped like 2p (Fig. B).

At n = 3, l has three numbers 0, 1 and 2, i.e. there are three electrons allowed in the electrons.

where n = 3, l = 0.

b / a = (0 + 1) / 3 = 1/3 = 1 or b = a / 3

where, n = 3, l = 1.

b / a = (1 + 1) / 3 = 2/3 = 1 or b = 2a / 3

and when n = 3, l = 2.

b / a = (2 + 1) / 3 = 3/3 = 1 or b = a

The lower shells corresponding to l = 0, 1, and 2 are designated as 3s, 3p and 3d respectively. The round shell is classified as 3d and the other two are elliptical.

It is a common practice to assign letters to l values as given below:

Orbital quantum number l - 0,1,2,3,4.

Electron state: s, p,d,f,g.

Therefore, the electrons in the earth l = 0, 1, 2, 3 are said to be in the areas of s, p, d, and f-states.

Beautiful structure of the spectral line

According to the Sommerfeld atomic model, the absolute electron energy in an elliptical orbit can be expressed as,

En = (-me4Z2) / (8ε02h2n2)

This statement is similar to the one received by Bohr. The introduction of elliptical lines therefore does not provide new levels of energy and therefore no new changes.

In such a way, Sommerfeld's attempt to explain the fine structure of the spectral lines failed.

But soon, on the basis of the electron density variation in speed, Sommerfeld could find a solution to the problem of a fine spectral line structure.

According to Sommerfeld, the electron velocity is highest when the electron is closest to the nucleus and smaller when it is farther away from the nucleus because the electron path is circular. This means that the active weight of an electron will vary in different parts of its cycle. Recalling the differences in electron density,

Sommerfeld corrected his theory and showed that the electron path is not a simple ellipse but a precursor circle called a rosette

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do electrons move in Bohr's model?

The theory is that electrons in atoms travel around the central nucleus in a circular motion and can only rotate at a different distance from the nucleus in some circular cycles. Such pathways are related to a specific force and are also called energy shells or energy levels.

2. How did Bohr acquire electrons?

Bohr was the first to discover that electrons move around the nucleus in different directions and that the properties of elements are determined by the number of electrons in the outer orbit.

3. Did Bohr's model contain neutrons?

The nucleus of the Bohr atomic model holds most of the atomic mass in its protons and neutrons. Electronically charged electrons contribute less in quantity, but are equal to electricity and protons in the nucleus, circling the well-charged nucleus.

4. How did Sommerfeld change Bohr's belief?

Several changes have been introduced to the Bohr model, especially the Sommerfeld or Bohr - Sommerfeld model, which suggested that electrons rotate the nucleus in elliptical lines rather than circular lines in the Bohr model. The Bohr-Sommerfeld program was actually uncooperative, contributing to many controversial issues.

5. What are energy levels, and how do they relate to the Bohr model?

Energy levels are discrete states of energy that electrons can occupy in an atom. In the Bohr model, these levels are defined by the electron's distance from the nucleus. The closer an electron is to the nucleus, the lower its energy. When an electron absorbs energy, it can move to a higher energy level (excited state), and when it loses energy, it returns to a lower level (ground state), often emitting a photon in the process.

6. What is the significance of the Rydberg formula in Bohr's model?
The Rydberg formula, which calculates the wavelengths of spectral lines for hydrogen, was a key inspiration for Bohr's model. Bohr's theory provided a physical explanation for this empirical formula, connecting atomic structure to observed spectra.
7. What is the historical significance of Bohr's model?
Bohr's model was a crucial stepping stone between classical physics and quantum mechanics. It successfully explained several observed phenomena and introduced key quantum concepts, paving the way for more advanced atomic theories.
8. How does Bohr's model differ from previous atomic models?
Bohr's model introduced the concept of quantized energy levels for electrons, unlike previous models like Thomson's "plum pudding" model or Rutherford's nuclear model. It explained why atoms emit light at specific frequencies and why electrons don't spiral into the nucleus.
9. What is the Bohr radius?
The Bohr radius is the distance between the nucleus and the electron in the ground state of a hydrogen atom in Bohr's model. It serves as a fundamental unit of length in atomic physics, approximately equal to 5.29 × 10^-11 meters.
10. What is the concept of quantization in Bohr's model?
Quantization in Bohr's model refers to the idea that electron energies and orbits are not continuous but exist in discrete, fixed values. This concept was revolutionary and laid the groundwork for quantum mechanics.
11. What is the limitation of Bohr's model for multi-electron atoms?
Bohr's model works well for hydrogen but fails to accurately describe multi-electron atoms. It doesn't account for electron-electron repulsions or the complex orbital shapes found in larger atoms, leading to inaccurate predictions of spectra and properties.
12. What are the limitations of Bohr's model regarding electron behavior?
Bohr's model incorrectly assumes electrons move in precise circular orbits and doesn't account for their wave-like nature. It also fails to explain the uncertainty in electron position and momentum, which are fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics.
13. What is the relationship between Bohr's model and the quantum mechanical model?
Bohr's model is a precursor to the quantum mechanical model. While it uses classical concepts like orbits, it introduces quantum ideas like energy quantization. The quantum mechanical model refines these concepts, replacing orbits with probability distributions.
14. How did Bohr's model contribute to understanding atomic structure?
Bohr's model significantly advanced understanding of atomic structure by introducing quantized energy levels, explaining atomic spectra, and providing a framework for electron configurations. It bridged classical and quantum physics in atomic theory.
15. How does Bohr's model address the problem of atomic stability?
Bohr's model addresses atomic stability by proposing that electrons only exist in specific, stable energy levels. This explains why atoms don't collapse as electrons orbit the nucleus, contradicting classical electromagnetic theory predictions.
16. How does Bohr's model explain the Balmer series?
The Balmer series is a set of spectral lines in the visible region of hydrogen's emission spectrum. Bohr's model explains these lines as resulting from electron transitions from higher energy levels to the second energy level, with each line corresponding to a specific transition.
17. How does Bohr's model explain the ionization energy of atoms?
In Bohr's model, ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from its ground state to infinity. It corresponds to the energy difference between the ground state and the state where the electron is no longer bound to the atom.
18. How does Bohr's model relate to the wave nature of electrons?
While Bohr's model treats electrons as particles, it inadvertently hinted at their wave nature. The allowed orbits in Bohr's model correspond to standing waves, a concept later formalized in de Broglie's matter wave theory.
19. What is the Bohr-Sommerfeld model?
The Bohr-Sommerfeld model is an extension of Bohr's original model. It introduces elliptical orbits and additional quantum numbers to better explain complex spectra, especially in the presence of magnetic fields (Zeeman effect).
20. What is the concept of stationary states in Bohr's model?
Stationary states in Bohr's model are the stable electron orbits where electrons do not emit radiation. These states correspond to the allowed energy levels and explain why atoms don't continuously lose energy and collapse.
21. What is Bohr's model of the atom?
Bohr's model is an early representation of atomic structure proposed by Niels Bohr in 1913. It depicts the atom as a small, positively charged nucleus surrounded by electrons that travel in circular orbits at fixed energy levels.
22. What are the key postulates of Bohr's atomic theory?
Bohr's theory has three main postulates: 1) Electrons orbit the nucleus in fixed energy levels, 2) Electrons can jump between these levels by absorbing or emitting specific amounts of energy, and 3) The angular momentum of electrons in these orbits is quantized.
23. How did Bohr explain the stability of atoms in his model?
Bohr proposed that electrons in stable orbits do not radiate energy. This contradicted classical physics but explained why atoms don't collapse as electrons orbit the nucleus. Energy is only absorbed or emitted when electrons jump between orbits.
24. What is meant by "ground state" in Bohr's model?
The ground state refers to the lowest energy level an electron can occupy in an atom. In Bohr's model, this is the innermost allowed orbit. Electrons naturally tend to occupy the ground state unless excited by energy input.
25. How does Bohr's model explain atomic spectra?
Bohr's model explains atomic spectra by proposing that electrons can only transition between specific energy levels. When an electron moves from a higher to lower energy level, it emits a photon of light with a specific frequency, creating the characteristic spectral lines of elements.
26. How does Bohr's model explain the stability of certain electron configurations?
Bohr's model suggests that atoms are most stable when their outermost shell is full. This concept helps explain why noble gases are chemically inert and why atoms form chemical bonds to achieve full outer shells.
27. How does Bohr's model explain the periodic table?
Bohr's model helps explain the periodic table by showing how electron configurations determine an element's chemical properties. Elements in the same group have similar outer shell electron configurations, leading to similar chemical behaviors.
28. How does Bohr's model relate to the concept of atomic orbitals?
While Bohr's model depicts electrons in circular orbits, it laid the groundwork for the concept of atomic orbitals. Modern quantum mechanics replaced these orbits with probability distributions (orbitals) describing where electrons are likely to be found.
29. How did Bohr calculate the allowed energy levels in his model?
Bohr calculated allowed energy levels using the assumption that electron angular momentum is quantized. He derived a formula relating the energy levels to integer values (quantum numbers), the electron's charge, and Planck's constant.
30. What are electron shells in Bohr's model?
Electron shells in Bohr's model are the discrete energy levels or orbits in which electrons can exist around the nucleus. Each shell can hold a specific maximum number of electrons and is associated with a principal quantum number.
31. What is the role of Planck's constant in Bohr's model?
Planck's constant (h) plays a crucial role in Bohr's model. It appears in the quantization condition for angular momentum and in the calculation of energy levels, connecting the model to the quantum nature of energy exchanges.
32. How does Bohr's model explain the line spectrum of hydrogen?
Bohr's model explains hydrogen's line spectrum by showing that spectral lines result from electrons transitioning between specific energy levels. Each line corresponds to a particular energy difference, matching observed spectral patterns.
33. How does Bohr's model explain the Lyman series in hydrogen's spectrum?
The Lyman series in hydrogen's spectrum consists of spectral lines in the ultraviolet region. Bohr's model explains these as transitions from higher energy levels to the ground state (n=1), with each line corresponding to a specific transition.
34. What is the significance of the principal quantum number in Bohr's model?
The principal quantum number (n) in Bohr's model determines the energy level and size of electron orbits. It's an integer that starts at 1 (ground state) and increases for higher energy levels, directly relating to the atom's energy and electron distribution.
35. How does Bohr's model explain the concept of excited states?
In Bohr's model, excited states occur when electrons occupy higher energy levels than their ground state. These states are unstable, and electrons eventually return to lower energy levels, emitting photons in the process, explaining atomic emission spectra.
36. What is the connection between Bohr's model and the photoelectric effect?
Both Bohr's model and the photoelectric effect demonstrate the quantized nature of energy in atomic systems. Bohr's model shows discrete energy levels in atoms, while the photoelectric effect shows discrete energy absorption by electrons, both supporting quantum theory.
37. How does Bohr's model explain the differences in atomic spectra between elements?
Bohr's model explains spectral differences between elements by the unique energy level structures in each atom. Different elements have different numbers of protons and electrons, resulting in distinct energy level spacings and thus unique spectral patterns.
38. What is the role of the Coulomb force in Bohr's model?
The Coulomb force between the positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons is central to Bohr's model. It determines the circular orbits of electrons and is balanced by the centripetal force, defining the allowed energy levels.
39. How does Bohr's model relate to the concept of quantized angular momentum?
Bohr's model introduces the quantization of angular momentum, proposing that electrons can only have specific angular momentum values. This quantization is a key aspect of the model and helps explain the discrete nature of atomic spectra.
40. What is the significance of the Bohr magneton in atomic physics?
The Bohr magneton, derived from Bohr's model, is a fundamental unit of the electron's magnetic moment. It plays a crucial role in understanding magnetic properties of atoms and in the study of electron spin and magnetism in quantum mechanics.
41. How does Bohr's model explain the formation of chemical bonds?
While not its primary focus, Bohr's model suggests that chemical bonds form when atoms share or transfer electrons to achieve stable electron configurations (full outer shells). This concept laid groundwork for understanding valence electrons and bonding.
42. What is the relationship between Bohr's model and the uncertainty principle?
Bohr's model contradicts the uncertainty principle by assuming electrons have well-defined positions and momenta simultaneously. The uncertainty principle, formulated later, shows this is impossible, highlighting a key limitation of Bohr's model.
43. How does Bohr's model contribute to understanding atomic size?
Bohr's model provides a way to calculate atomic radii based on electron orbits. It suggests that atomic size increases with the principal quantum number, offering insights into periodic trends in atomic and ionic radii.
44. What is the concept of energy quantization in Bohr's model?
Energy quantization in Bohr's model means that electrons can only exist in specific, discrete energy levels. This concept explains why atoms absorb and emit light at specific frequencies, corresponding to transitions between these quantized levels.
45. How does Bohr's model explain the concept of electron affinity?
While Bohr's model doesn't directly address electron affinity, it provides a foundation for understanding it. The model's concept of electron shells helps explain why some atoms are more likely to gain electrons, relating to their electron configurations.
46. What is the significance of the Bohr frequency condition?
The Bohr frequency condition relates the frequency of emitted or absorbed light to the energy difference between electron transitions. It's crucial in explaining spectral lines and connecting the model to experimental observations of atomic spectra.
47. How does Bohr's model relate to the concept of atomic orbitals in modern quantum theory?
Bohr's model with its circular orbits is a precursor to the more complex atomic orbitals in modern quantum theory. While oversimplified, it introduced the idea of electrons occupying specific energy states, which evolved into the concept of orbitals.
48. What is the role of the Rydberg constant in Bohr's model?
The Rydberg constant appears in Bohr's model as a fundamental parameter in calculating energy levels and spectral lines. It connects the model's theoretical predictions to observed spectral data, particularly for the hydrogen atom.
49. How does Bohr's model explain the concept of ionization?
In Bohr's model, ionization occurs when an electron gains enough energy to move from its orbit to an energy level at infinity, effectively leaving the atom. The energy required for this process is the ionization energy, which varies for different elements.
50. What is the significance of the n=∞ energy level in Bohr's model?
The n=∞ energy level in Bohr's model represents the point where an electron is no longer bound to the atom. It corresponds to the ionization limit and helps in understanding concepts like ionization energy and the continuous spectrum.
51. How does Bohr's model contribute to understanding atomic emission and absorption spectra?
Bohr's model explains atomic spectra by showing that electrons can only transition between specific energy levels. Emission occurs when electrons move to lower levels, while absorption happens when they move to higher levels, each producing characteristic spectral lines.
52. What is the limitation of Bohr's model in explaining the spectra of multi-electron atoms?
Bohr's model fails to accurately predict spectra for atoms with more than one electron. It doesn't account for electron-electron interactions or the complex orbital structures in larger atoms, leading to significant discrepancies with observed spectra.
53. How does Bohr's model relate to the concept of quantum numbers?
Bohr's model introduces the principal quantum number to describe electron energy levels. This laid the groundwork for the development of additional quantum numbers (azimuthal, magnetic, spin) in more advanced atomic models.
54. What is the historical context of Bohr's model in the development of quantum mechanics?
Bohr's model, proposed in 1913, was a pivotal step in the transition from classical to quantum physics. It successfully explained several atomic phenomena that classical physics couldn't, paving the way for the development of modern quantum mechanics in the 1920s.
55. How does Bohr's model contribute to understanding the periodic table of elements?
Bohr's model helps explain the periodic table by showing how electron configurations determine an element's properties. It provides a basis for understanding periodicity, valence electrons, and why elements in the same group have similar chemical properties.

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