Multiple choice

Which of the following limitations in Rutherford's model of atom leads to its failure?

  1. Inability to calculate size of nucleus

  2. Inability to find charge on nucleus

  3. Inability to determine radius of atom

  4. Inability to explain stability of atom

  5. Inability to determine distribution of charges in atom
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Rutherford's model stated that electrons revolve around the nucleus in well defined orbits. According to this, the atom should have been unstable. An electron being charged particle in accelerated motion would radiate energy and would collapse onto the nucleus within a very small fraction of time owing to the electrostatic pull of the nucleus. It could not explain the stability of an atom.

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