Question

Choose the correct option from the following options given below :

• A. In the ground state of Rutherford’s model electrons are in stable equilibrium. While in Thomson’s model electrons always experience a net-force
• B. An atom has a nearly continuous mass distribution in a Rutherford’s model but has a highly non-uniform mass distribution in Thomson’s model
• C. A classical atom based on Rutherford’s model is doomed to collapse.
• D. The positively charged part of the atom possesses most of the mass in Rutherford’s model but not in Thomson’s model.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Let's analyze the given options based on our understanding of the atomic models proposed by Rutherford and Thomson.

• Option 1: In the ground state of Rutherford’s model electrons are in stable equilibrium. While in Thomson’s model electrons always experience a net-force.
  This statement is incorrect. According to Rutherford’s model, electrons are not in stable equilibrium; they orbit the nucleus. The model suggests that the positively charged nucleus exerts an electrostatic force on the negatively charged electrons, causing them to move in circular paths. Conversely, in Thomson’s model, electrons are embedded in a sea of positive charge, supposedly leading to their stability, which is technically incorrect due to lack of experimental support.
• Option 2: An atom has a nearly continuous mass distribution in Rutherford’s model but has a highly non-uniform mass distribution in Thomson’s model.
  This statement is false. It’s the opposite; in Rutherford’s model, the mass is concentrated in a small, dense nucleus, leading to a highly non-uniform mass distribution. In Thomson’s model, mass distribution was considered uniform as the positive charge and electrons are spread out evenly.
• Option 3: A classical atom based on Rutherford’s model is doomed to collapse.
  This statement is correct. According to classical physics, electrons accelerating around the nucleus should emit radiation, lose energy, and spiral into the nucleus, leading to the collapse of the atom. The stability of atoms was later explained by quantum mechanics, not by the classical physics used in Rutherford's model.
• Option 4: The positively charged part of the atom possesses most of the mass in Rutherford’s model but not in Thomson’s model.
  This statement is partially true. In Rutherford's model, the nucleus, which is positively charged, comprises most of the atom's mass. Thomson’s model doesn’t contain a nuclear concentration; the mass is spread throughout the atom.

Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is that a classical atom based on Rutherford’s model is doomed to collapse. This conclusion aligns with fundamental issues in classical physics that necessitated the development of quantum mechanics to explain atomic stability.