Chemistry · Bohr model of a hydrogen atom: its postulates, derivation of the relations for the energy of the electron and radii of the different orbits, limitations of Bohr's model

Which of the following is true for Thomson's model of the atom?

Which of the following is true for Thomson's model of the atom?

  • A. The radius of an electron can be calculated using Thomson's model
  • B. In an undisturbed atom, the electrons will be at their equilibrium positions, where the attraction between the cloud of positive charge and the electrons balances their mutual repulsion
  • C. When the electrons are disturbed by collision, they will vibrate around their equilibrium positions and emit electromagnetic radiation whose frequency is of the order of magnitude of the frequency of electromagnetic radiation of a vibrating electron
  • D. Both (B) and (C)

Step-by-step solution

Thomson's plum pudding model describes the atom as a sphere of positive charge with embedded electrons. In an undisturbed atom, electrons are in equilibrium positions where the attractive force from the positive cloud balances their mutual repulsion (B). When disturbed by collision, electrons vibrate about these positions and emit electromagnetic radiation with frequencies characteristic of the oscillation (C). Thus, both statements B and C are true, making option D correct.
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