Oppositely charged objects attract each other. This attraction holds electrons in atoms and holds atoms to one another in many compounds. However, Ernest Rutherford’s model of the atom failed to explain why electrons were not pulled into the atomic nucleus by this attraction.What change to the atomic model helped solve the problem seen in Rutherford’s model?
Answer
A
Bohr’s work with atomic spectra led him to say that the electrons were limited to existing in certain energy levels, like standing on the rungs of a ladder.
B
Bohr’s work with cathode rays led him to say that the electrons were located within the mass of positive material, like plums in a pudding.
C
Thomson’s work with cathode rays led him to say that the electrons were located within the mass of positive material, like plums in a pudding.
D
Thomson’s work with atomic spectra led him to say that the electrons were limited to existing in certain energy levels, like standing on the rungs of a ladder.
Explanation
Rutherford’s model did not explain how electrons could remain outside the positively charged nucleus instead of spiraling into it. Bohr addressed this by proposing that electrons can occupy only certain fixed energy levels, like rungs on a ladder. This is the change described in choice A. The plum-pudding model in choices B and C was proposed by Thomson, not Bohr, and did not introduce those energy levels.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.