Question

How does the Bohr model work?

Answer 1

The Bohr model is basically an atom consisting of a small positively charged nucleus with negatively charged electrons in orbit.

The main points of the model are that:

• Electrons orbit the nucleus in orbits that have a set size and energy.
• The energy of the orbit is related to its size. The lowest energy is found in the smallest orbit.
• Radiation is absorbed or emitted when an electron moves from one orbit to another.

The modern model of the atom is based on quantum mechanics. The Bohr Model contains some errors, but it is important because it describes most of the accepted features of atomic theory without all of the high-level math of the modern version. Unlike earlier models, the Bohr Model explains the Rydberg formula for the spectral emission lines of atomic hydrogen.