Chapter 1: Problem 11

What are the drawbacks in Bohr's theory of atomic structure?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The major drawbacks or limitations of Bohr's model of atomic structure includes failure to explain line spectra for multi-electron atoms and fine spectra, lack of wide predictive power beyond the hydrogen atom, and violation of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle.

Step by step solution

Understanding Bohr's Model

Bohr's model of atomic structure is based on the idea that electrons revolve around the nucleus in certain fixed orbits or energy levels, each with its energy. It suggests that an electron can move from a lower energy level to a higher one by absorbing energy and from a higher energy level to a lower one by emitting energy.

Drawback 1: Spectral Lines

Bohr's theory could explain the line spectra of hydrogen atom but failed to explain the line spectra of multi-electron atoms. This countertopic phenomenon happens because Bohr’s model assumes electrons to be particle-like and that they move around the nucleus only in certain prescribed orbits. However, for multi-electron atoms, it disregards electron clouding or electron shielding effects.

Drawback 2: No Explanation for Fine Spectrum

Bohr's atomic model failed to explain the fine spectrum. The fine spectrum refers to the splitting of spectral lines observed when the atoms are exposed to a magnetic field (Zeeman effect) or an electric field (Stark effect). This phenomenon hints at a more complex behavior of electrons that can't be represented by Bohr's model.

Drawback 3: Lack of Quantitative Predictive Power

Bohr's model does not have wide predictive power beyond the hydrogen atom. It can neither predict the relative intensities of spectral lines nor the structure of multi-electron atoms.

Drawback 4: Violation of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle

According to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, it is impossible to determine simultaneously, with high precision, the position and momentum (or velocity) of an electron. The simultaneous knowledge of both quantities is a basic assumption of Bohr’s model and thus, the model contradicts the uncertainty principle.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

What are the drawbacks in Bohr's theory of atomic structure?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Bohr's Model

Drawback 1: Spectral Lines

Drawback 2: No Explanation for Fine Spectrum

Drawback 3: Lack of Quantitative Predictive Power

Drawback 4: Violation of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Nuclear Chemistry

Physical Chemistry

Kinetics

Organic Chemistry

Chemical Analysis

Making Measurements

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.