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Q12.1(c):
Choose the correct alternative from the clues given at the end of the each statement: A classical atom based on .......... is doomed to collapse.
Solution :
Theoretical Foundation: The Classical Model of the Atom
The classical model of the atom, primarily developed by Ernest Rutherford based on the results of the Geiger-Marsden gold foil experiment, posits that an atom consists of a dense, positively charged nucleus surrounded by electrons revolving in circular orbits, analogous to the planetary motion in a solar system.
Step 1: Identifying the Conflict with Classical Electrodynamics
According to classical electromagnetic theory, specifically Maxwell’s Equations, an accelerating charged particle must continuously radiate electromagnetic energy [Per the Larmor Formula: $P = \frac{q^2 a^2}{6 \pi \epsilon_0 c^3}$]. An electron moving in a circular orbit undergoes constant centripetal acceleration ($a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}$), even if its speed remains constant.
Step 2: The Mechanism of Instability
- Energy Loss: Because the orbiting electron radiates energy, its total mechanical energy ($E = K + U$) must decrease over time.
- Orbital Decay: As the electron loses energy, the radius ($r$) of its orbit must shrink. By the Virial Theorem, as $r$ decreases, the electron moves closer to the nucleus in a spiral trajectory.
- Catastrophic Collapse: This process implies that the electron would eventually spiral into the nucleus in an extremely short time interval (estimated at $10^{-8}$ seconds), resulting in the collapse of the atom.
Step 3: Evaluating the Clue
The clue provided in the curriculum for this specific problem is: (Thomson's model / Rutherford's model).
Comparing the provided models:
| Model | Mechanism of Instability |
|---|---|
| Thomson's Model | Static equilibrium model; lacks the orbital acceleration mechanism. |
| Rutherford's Model | Dynamic model; electron orbital acceleration causes electromagnetic radiation loss. |
Since the problem specifies that the atom is "doomed to collapse" due to the radiation of energy by orbiting electrons, the correct alternative is the Rutherford model.
Final Solution: A classical atom based on Rutherford's model is doomed to collapse.
More Questions from Class 12 Physics Atoms EXERCISES
- Q12.1(a): Choose the correct alternative from the clues given at the end of the each statement: (a) The size of the atom in Thomson’s model is .......... the atomic size in Rutherford’s model.
- Q12.1(a): Choose the correct alternative from the clues given at the end of the each statement: The size of the atom in Thomson’s model is .......... the atomic size in Rutherford’s model.
- Q12.1(b): Choose the correct alternative from the clues given at the end of the each statement: (b) In the ground state of .......... electrons are in stable equilibrium, while in .......... electrons always experience a net force.
- Q12.1(b): Choose the correct alternative from the clues given at the end of the each statement: In the ground state of .......... electrons are in stable equilibrium, while in .......... electrons always experience a net force.
- Q12.1(c): Choose the correct alternative from the clues given at the end of the each statement: (c) A classical atom based on .......... is doomed to collapse.
- Q12.1(d): Choose the correct alternative from the clues given at the end of the each statement: (d) An atom has a nearly continuous mass distribution in a .......... but has a highly non-uniform mass distribution in ..........
- Q12.1(d): Choose the correct alternative from the clues given at the end of the each statement: An atom has a nearly continuous mass distribution in a .......... but has a highly non-uniform mass distribution in ..........
- Q12.1(e): Choose the correct alternative from the clues given at the end of the each statement: (e) The positively charged part of the atom possesses most of the mass in ..........
- Q12.1(e): Choose the correct alternative from the clues given at the end of the each statement: The positively charged part of the atom possesses most of the mass in ..........
- Q12.2: Suppose you are given a chance to repeat the alpha-particle scattering experiment using a thin sheet of solid hydrogen in place of the gold foil. (Hydrogen is a solid at temperatures below 14 K.) What results do you expect?
- Q12.2: Suppose you are given a chance to repeat the alpha-particle scattering experiment using a thin sheet of solid hydrogen in place of the gold foil. (Hydrogen is a solid at temperatures below 14 K.) What results do you expect?
- Q12.3: A difference of 2.3 eV separates two energy levels in an atom. What is the frequency of radiation emitted when the atom make a transition from the upper level to the lower level?
- Q12.3: A difference of 2.3 eV separates two energy levels in an atom. What is the frequency of radiation emitted when the atom make a transition from the upper level to the lower level?
- Q12.4: The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is –13.6 eV. What are the kinetic and potential energies of the electron in this state?
- Q12.4: The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is –13.6 eV. What are the kinetic and potential energies of the electron in this state?
- Q12.5: A hydrogen atom initially in the ground level absorbs a photon, which excites it to the $n = 4$ level. Determine the wavelength and frequency of photon.
- Q12.5: A hydrogen atom initially in the ground level absorbs a photon, which excites it to the ((n)) = 4 level. Determine the wavelength and frequency of photon.
- Q12.6(a): (a) Using the Bohr’s model calculate the speed of the electron in a hydrogen atom in the $n = 1, 2$, and $3$ levels.
- Q12.6(a): (a) Using the Bohr’s model calculate the speed of the electron in a hydrogen atom in the ((n)) = 1, 2, and 3 levels.
- Q12.6(b): (b) Calculate the orbital period in each of these levels.
- Q12.6(b): (b) Calculate the orbital period in each of these levels.
- Q12.7: The radius of the innermost electron orbit of a hydrogen atom is $5.3 \times 10^{-11}$ m. What are the radii of the $n = 2$ and $n = 3$ orbits?
- Q12.7: The radius of the innermost electron orbit of a hydrogen atom is ((5.3 \times 10^{-11})) m. What are the radii of the ((n)) = 2 and ((n)) = 3 orbits?
- Q12.8: A 12.5 eV electron beam is used to bombard gaseous hydrogen at room temperature. What series of wavelengths will be emitted?
- Q12.8: A 12.5 eV electron beam is used to bombard gaseous hydrogen at room temperature. What series of wavelengths will be emitted?
- Q12.9: In accordance with the Bohr’s model, find the quantum number that characterises the earth’s revolution around the sun in an orbit of radius $1.5 \times 10^{11}$ m with orbital speed $3 \times 10^{4}$ m/s. (Mass of earth = $6.0 \times 10^{24}$ kg.)
- Q12.9: In accordance with the Bohr’s model, find the quantum number that characterises the earth’s revolution around the sun in an orbit of radius ((1.5 \times 10^{11})) m with orbital speed ((3 \times 10^{4})) m/s. (Mass of earth = ((6.0 \times 10^{24})) kg.)
CBSE Solutions for Class 12 Physics Atoms
Chapters in CBSE - Class 12 Physics
- Electric Charges and Fields
- Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
- Current Electricity
- Moving Charges and Magnetism
- Magnetism and Matter
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Alternating Current
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
- Wave Optics
- Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
- Nuclei
- Semiconductor Electronics
- Communication Systems
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