Chap 12 Atoms Page 101

CHAPTER 12
Atoms

SUMMARY mvr = nh
2p
where,n = any positive integer i.e., 1, 2, 3,....
1. IMPACT PARAMETER It is also called principle quantum number.
The perpendicular distance of the velocity vector of 3. Bohr’s Third Postulate : It states that an electron
a -particle from the central line of the nucleus of the might make a transition from one of its specified
atom is called impact parameter b . non-radiating orbits to another of lower energy.
When it does so, a photon is emitted having
b = 1 . Ze2 cot q energy equal to the energy difference between the
4pe 0 EK 2
initial and final states.
The frequency of the emitted photon is then given
2. DISTANCE OF CLOSEST APPROACH
by
The smallest distance of approach of a -particle near hv = Ei - E f
heavy nucleus is a measure of the size of nucleus.
where, Ei and E f are the energies of the initial
Distance of nearest approach . size of nucleus
2 and final states and Ei > E f .
= 4pe
1 2Ze
0E .K

where, EK = kinetic energy of incident a -particle 3.1 Important Terms Related to Bohr’s Model
Z = atomic number
th
1. Radius of n orbit is given by
e = electronic charge e 0 h2 n2
rn =
pmZe2
3. BOHR’S THEORY OF HYDROGEN ATOM For hydrogen atom, Z =1
Bohr combined classical and early quantum concepts e 0 h2 n2
(rn) H =
and gave his theory in the form of three postulates. pme2
These are The radius of first orbit of hydrogen atom is called
Bohr’s radius. It is denoted by,
1. Bohr’s First Postulate : It states that an electron
in an atom could revolve in certain stable orbits e 0 h2
a0 = = 0.529 # 10-10 m
without the emission of radiant energy, contrary pme2
to the predictions of electromagnetic theory. = 0.529 A c
2. Bohr’s Second Postulate : This postulate states 2. Energy of Orbiting Electron
that the electron revolves around the nucleus only 2
in those orbits for which the angular momentum Kinetic energy, EK = 1 mv2 = 1 Ze
h 2 4pe 0 2r
is some integral multiple of 2p . Where h is the
(Ze) (- e)
Planck’s constant (= 6.6 # 10-34 J-s) .Thus, the Potential energy, U = 1
angular momentum (L) of the orbiting electron is 4pe 0 r
2
quantised, = - 1 Ze
4pe 0 r
i.e., L = nh
2p 2
Total energy, E = - 1 Ze
As, angular momentum of electron, 4pe 0 2r
L = mvr For n th orbit, writing En for E , we have
2
Hence, for any permitted (stationary) orbit, En = - 1 Ze
4pe 0 2rn
Page 102 Atoms Chap 12

After substituting the value of rn , we get (d) Brackett series,

2
v = R c 2 - 2 m ; n = 5 , 6, 7...
En = - 1 Ze 1 1
4pe 0 2 ` e h n j
0
2 2
4 n
pmZe 2

2 4 (e) Pfund series,

= - mZ e
v = R c 2 - 2 m ; n = 6 , 7, 8
2 2 2
8e 0 h n 1 1
5 n
For convenience introducing Rydberg constant,
4
R = me
8e 0 ch3
2

2
We have, En = Z Rhc
n2
For hydrogen atom, Z =1
Energy of orbiting electron in H -atom,
En = - Rhc
n2
En = - 13.26 eV
n
The lowest energy of the atom is called the ground
state, this state has lowest energy, The energy of this
state is - 13.6 eV . Therefore the minimum energy
required to free the electron from the ground state of
the hydrogen atom is - 13.6 eV .

4. HYDROGEN SPECTRUM
***********
Hydrogen emission spectrum consists of 5 series.
(a) Lyman Series : This lies in ultraviolet region.
(b) Balmer Series : This lies in the visible region.
(c) Paschen Series : This lies in near infrared region.
(d) Brackett Series : This lies in mid infrared region.
(e) Pfund Series : This lies in mid infrared region.
The atomic hydrogen emits a line spectrum consisting
of various series. The frequency of any line in a series
can be expressed as
(a) Lyman series,

v = R c 2 - 2 m ; n = 2 , 3, 4...
1 1
1 n
[Shortest wavelength = 911.6 A
c, Longest
c]
wavelength 1215 A
(b) Balmer series,

v = R c 2 - 2 m ; n = 3 , 4, 5...
1 1
2 n
[Shortest wavelength = 3646 A
c Longest
wavelength = 6563 Ac]
(c) Paschen series,

v = R c 2 - 2 m ; n = 4 , 5, 6, ...
1 1
3 n
c Longest wavelength
[Shortest wavelength 8204 A
= 18752 Ac ].
Chap 12 Atoms Page 103

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (c) parabolic (d) straight line

Ans : Delhi 2014

1. A hydrogen atom makes a transition n = 5 to n = 1 8. For an electron in the second orbit of Bohr’s hydrogen
orbit. The wavelength of photon from emitted is l atom, the moment of liner momentum is
. The wavelength of photon emitted when it makes a (a) ph (b) 2ph
transition from n = 5 to n = 2 orbit is
(c) h (d) 2h
(a) 8 l (b) 16 l p p
7 7
Ans : OD 2007

(c) 24 l (d) 32 l
7 7 9. Nuclear atom model is required to explain the results
Ans : OD 2023 of
(a) Rydberg’s experiment
2. The minimum angular momentum of electron in
Hydrogen atom will be (b) Rutherford’s experiment
(c) Thomson’s atom model
(a) h Js (b) h Js
p 2p
(d) Bohr’s frequency condition
(c) hpJs (d) 2ph Js
Ans : Delhi 2008, Foreign 2012
Ans : OD 2018, Comp 2005
10. In the Bohr’s atomic model, if the atomic radius of
3. Which series comes in visible region of hydrogen the first orbit is r0 , then radius of the fourth orbit is
spectrum? (a) r0 (b) 4r0
(a) Lyman series (b) Balmer series (c) 8r0 (d) 16r0
(c) Paschen series (d) Bracket series Ans : SQP 2017
Ans : OD 2013
11. In Bohr’s atomic model of hydrogen atom, the
4. Rutherfrd’s a -particle experiment showed that the product of binding energy of electron in n th orbit and
atoms have its radius in n th orbit is
(a) proton (b) nucleus (a) independent of n
(c) neutron (d) electrons (b) proportional to n
Ans : Foreign 2007 (c) proportional to n2
(d) inversely proportional to n
5. According to the Rutherford’s atomic model, the
electrons inside the atom Ans : Foreign 2006

(a) stationary (b) not stationary

12. The total energy of an electron in the first excited
(c) centralized (d) none of these state of hydrogen atom is about - 3.4 eV . Its kinetic
Ans : Delhi 2002 energy in this state is
(a) - 3.4 eV (b) 3.4 eV
6. The hydrogen atom can give spectral lines in the
(c) - 6.8 eV (d) 6.8 eV
Lyman, Balmer and Paschen series. Which of the
following statement is correct? Ans : SQP 2010

(a) Balmer series is in the visible region

13. Which state of triply ionised beryllium ^Be+++h has
(b) Paschen series is in the visible region the same orbital radius as that of the ground state of
(c) Lyman series is in the infra-red region hydrogen?
(d) Balmer series is in the ultraviolet region (a) n = 1 (b) n = 2

Ans : SQP 2009

(c) n = 3 (d) n = 4
Ans : OD 2001
7. According to classical theory, the path of an electron
in Rutherford’s atom is
(a) spiral (b) circular
Page 104 Atoms Chap 12

14. In which of the following system will the radius of first

orbit be minimum ?
(a) hydrogen atom
(b) deuterium atom
19. Assertion : Balmer series lies in the visible region of
(c) singly ionized helium
the electrons radiate.
(d) doubly ionized lithium 1 1
Reason : 1 = R :22 - n2 D , where n = 3, 4, 5
Ans : Foreign 2014 l
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and the
15. If the energy of hydrogen atom in ground state is
Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion.
- 13.6 eV , then its energy in the first excited state
will be (b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason
is not a correct explanation of the Assertion.
(a) - 3.4 eV (b) - 6.8 eV
(c) The Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
(c) - 27.2 eV (d) - 52.4 eV
(d) Both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Ans : OD 2007
Ans :
16. The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is - 13.6 eV
20. Assertion : Between any two given energy levels, the
. What is the potential energy of the electron in this
number of absorption transitions is always less than
state?
the number of emission transitions.
(a) 0 eV (b) 1 eV
Reason : Absorption transitions start from the lowest
(c) 2 eV (d) - 27.2 eV
energy level only and may end at any higher energy
Ans : Delhi 2004, OD 2007 level. But emission transitions may start from any
higher energy level and end at any energy level below
17. As the electron in Bohr’s orbit of hydrogen atom it.
passes from state n = 2 to n = 1, the kinetic energy
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and the
K and the potential energy u change as
Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion.
(a) K four-fold and u two-fold
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason
(b) K two-fold and u four-fold is not a correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) K two-fold and u also two-fold (c) The Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
(d) K four-fold and u also four-fold (d) Both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Ans : OD 2005
Ans :

21. Assertion : Bohr had to postulate that the electrons

ASSERTION AND REASON in stationary orbits around the nucleus do not radiate.
Reason : According to classical physics all moving
electrons radiate.
18. Assertion : The specific charge of positive rays is not (a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and the
constant. Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion.
Reason : The mass of ions varies with speed. (b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and the is not a correct explanation of the Assertion.
Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion. (c) The Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason (d) Both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
is not a correct explanation of the Assertion. Ans :
(c) The Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect. Bohr postulated that electrons in stationary orbits
(d) Both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect. around the nucleus do not radiate. This is the one
of Bohr’s postulate. According to this the moving
electrons radiates only when they go from one orbit
to the next lower orbit.
Thus (b) is correct option.
Chap 12 Atoms Page 105

electron but having the same charge?

Ans : Delhi 2019

VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

22. What is the ratio of radii of the orbits corresponding

31. (a) What is meant by ionisation energy ? Write its
to first excited state and ground state, in a hydrogen
value for hydrogen atom.
atom?
(b) Define the term, mass defect. How is it related to
Ans : OD 2021
stability of the nucleus?
23. Define ionisation energy. What is its value for a Ans : OD 2023
hydrogen atoms?
32. Find the ratio of energies of photons produced due to
Ans : Delhi 2020
transition of an electron of hydrogen atom from its
24. Where is H a -line of the balmer series in the emission (i) second permitted energy level to the first
spectrum of hydrogen atom obtained? permitted level and
Ans : Comp 2018, SQP 2015 (ii) the highest permitted energy level to the first
permitted level.
25. Consider two different hydrogen atoms. The electron Ans : Delhi 2021
in each atom is in an excited state. Is it possible for
the electrons to have different energies but the same 33. Briefly describe Thomson’s modal of an atom, Why
orbital angular momentum according to the Bohr was this model discarded later on?
model? Ans : Delhi 2020
Ans : Comp 2014
34. Define the terms excitation and ionisation energies;
26. State Bohr’s quantisation condition for defining and excitation and ionisation potentials.
stationary orbits. Ans : OD 2014, Delhi 2019
Ans : SQP 2011
35. Describe Rutherford’s model of the atom. Give its
27. In the Rutherford scattering experiment, the distance limitations.
of closest approach for an a -particles is d0 . If a Ans : OD 2020
-particles is replaced by a proton, then how much
kinetic energy in comparison to a -particle will be 36. Sate the drawbacks of Bohr’s atomic theory.
required to have the same distance of closest approach Ans : Comp 2015

d0 ?
37. Write the expression for Bohr’s radius in hydrogen
Ans : Delhi 2017 atom.
Ans : Foreign 2015, OD 2003
28. Why is the classical Rutherford model for an atom
of electron orbiting around the nucleus not able to
explain the atomic structure?
Ans : OD 2013

29. In the Rutherford scattering experiment, the distance

of closest approach for an a -particle is d0 . If a -particle
is replaced by a proton, then how much kinetic energy
in comparison to a -particle will be required to have
the same distance of closest approach d0 ?
Ans : Comp 2021

30. Define ionization energy. How would the ionization

energy change when electron in hydrogen atom is 38. In an experiment of a -particle scattering by a thin foil
replaced by a particle of mass 200 times that of the of gold, draw a plot showing the number of particle
Page 106 Atoms Chap 12

scattered versus the scattering angle q . 42. Using de-Broglie’s hypothesis, explain with the help
Why is it that a very small fraction of the particles of a suitable diagram, Bohr’s second postulate of
are scattered at q > 90c ? quantisation of energy levels in a hydrogen atom.
Ans : OD 2014

43. A hydrogen atom initially in its ground absorbs a

photon and is in the excited state with energy 12.5 eV.
Calculate the longest wavelength of the radiation
emitted and identify the series to which it belongs.
[Take Rydberg constant R = 1.1 # 107 m-1 ]
Ans : Comp 2010

44. In the study of Geiger-marsdon experiment on

scattering of a -particles by a thin foil of gold, draw
the trajectory of a -particles in the coulomb field
of target nucleus. Explain briefly how can gets the
information on the size of the nucleus from this study.
Ans :
1
SQP 2013 From the relation R = R0 A , where, R0 is constant
3

and A is the mass number of the nucleus, show that

39. (i) State bohr postulate of hydrogen atom that gives
nuclear matter density is independent of A.
the relationship for the frequency of emitted
Ans : Foreign 2013
photon in a transition.
(ii) An electron jumps from fourth to first orbit in an 45. Using de-Broglie’s hypothesis, explain with the help
atom. How many maximum number of spectral of a suitable diagram, Bohr’s second postulate of
lines can be emitted by the atom? To which series quantization of energy levels in a hydrogen atom.
these lines correspond?
Ans : Comp 2018, OD 2013
Ans : OD 2014

40. Using Bohr’s second postulate of quantisation of orbital

angular momentum show that the circumference of LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
the electron in the n th orbital state in hydrogen atom
is n -times the de-Broglie wavelength associated with 46. Give postulates of Bohr’s theory. Explain hydrogen
it. spectrum on the basis of Bohr’s theory.
Ans : OD 2016, Comp 2008 Ans : SQP 2015

47. (i) In hydrogen atom, an electron undergoes transition

from second excited state to the first excited state
41. The energy levels of an atom are given below in the and then to the ground state. Identify the spectral
diagram. series to which these transitions belong.
(ii) Find out the ratio of the wavelength of the emitted
radiations in the two cases.
Ans : Foreign 2012, Comp 2009

48. Describe Rutherford’s model of atom developed on

the basis of his alpha particle scattering experiment.
Ans : Delhi 2020

49. 1. State Bohr’s quantization condition for defining

Which of the transitions belong to lyman and balmer stationary orbits. How does the Broglie hypothesis,
series? Calculate the ratio of the shorter wavelengths explain the stationary orbits?
of the lyman and the balmer series of the spectra. 2. Find the relation between the three wavelengths
Ans : Delhi 2015 l 1 , l 2 and l 3 from the energy level diagram
shown below.
Chap 12 Atoms Page 107

56. What is the ratio of radii of the orbits corresponding

to first excited state and ground state, in a hydrogen
atom?
Ans : Comp 2019

57. The electron in a given Bohr orbit has a total energy

of - 1.5 eV. Calculate its
(i) kinetic energy
Ans : Delhi 2019 (ii) potential energy
(iii) wavelength of radiation emitted, when this
50. What is the energy level diagram for an atom? electron makes a transition to the ground state.
Calculate the energies of the various energy levels of [Given, energy in the ground state = - 13.6 eV and
a hydrogen atom and draw and energy level diagram Rydberg’s constant = 1.09 # 107 m-1
for it.
Ans : Comp 2020
Ans : OD 2020, Comp 2004
58. The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is - 13.6 eV.
If an electron makes a transition from an energy level
NUMERICAL QUESTIONS - 0.85 eV to - 3.4 eV , calculate the wavelength of
the spectral line emitted. To which series of hydrogen
spectrum does this wavelength belong?
51. Calculate the shortest wavelength of the spectral lines
Ans : Delhi 2020, SQP 2013
emitted in balmer series.
[Given Rydberg constant, R = 107 m-1 ]
59. The value of ground state energy of hydrogen atom
Ans : Delhi 2021
is - 13.6 eV .
52. Use Bohr model of hydrogen atom to calculate the (i) Find the energy required to move an electron
speed of the electron in the first excited state. from the ground state to the first excited state of
the atom.
Ans : Delhi 2016, OD 2010
(ii) Determine (a) the kinetic energy and (b) orbital
53. In a Geiger-marsdon experiment, calculate the radius in the first excited state of the atom.
difference of closest approach to the nucleus of Z = 80 [Given, the value of Bohr’s radius = 0.53A c]
when an a -particles of 8 MeV energy impinges on it Ans : SQP 2014
before it comes to momentarily rest and reverses its
direction.
How will the distance of closest approach be affected
when the kinetic energy of the a -particle is doubled?
60. Determine the distance of closest approach when an
Ans : OD 2021
alpha particle of kinetic energy 4.5 MeV strikes a
54. The energy E of a hydrogen atom with principal nucleus of Z = 80 , stops and reverse its direction.
quantum no. n is given by E = - 13n.6 eV . Find the
2
Ans : Delhi 2015

energy ejected when the electron jumps from n = 3

61. In the ground state of hydrogen atom, its Bohr radius
state to n = 2 state of hydrogen.
is given as 5.3 # 10-11 m . The atom is excited such
Ans : that the radius becomes 21.2 # 10-11 m . Find:
= 1.9 eV 1. The value of the principal quantum number.
2. Total energy of the atom in this excited state.
55. What is the kinetic and potential energies of the
Ans : OD 2017
electron in this state?
or 62. Calculate the wavelength of radiation emitted when
Given the value of the ground state energy of hydrogen electron in a hydrogen atom jumps from n = 3 to
atom as - 13.6 eV , find out its kinetic and potential n = 1.
energy in the ground and second excited states ? Ans : Comp 2013

Ans : Delhi 2021, Foreign 2010

Page 108 Atoms Chap 12

63. A 12.5 eV electron beam is used to bombard gaseous Ans : OD 2017

hydrogen at room temperature. Upto which energy

70. The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is -13.6 eV.
level the hydrogen atoms would be excited ? Calculate
If an electron makes a transition from an energy level
the wavelengths of the first members of Lyman and
-0.85 eV to 3.4 eV , Calculate the wavelength of the
first member of Balmer series.
spectral line emitted. To which series of hydrogen
Ans : OD 2016 spectrum does this wavelength belong?
64. Calculate the shortest wavelength in the Balmer Ans : Delhi 2013

series of hydrogen atom. In which region (infrared

visible, ultraviolet) of hydrogen spectrum does this 71. The value of ground state energy of hydrogen atom
wavelength lie? is - 13.6 eV.
Ans : Comp 2018, OD 2011
1. Find the energy required to move an electron
from the ground state to the first excited state of
65. What is Ha line in the emission spectrum of hydrogen the atom.
atom obtained? Calculate the frequency of the photon 2. Determine (a) the kinetic energy and (b) orbital
emitted during this transition. radius in the first excited state of the atom.
Ans : Delhi 2012 [Given, the value of bohr’s radius = 0.53 A c]
Ans : OD 2015, Comp 2011
66. A 12.5 eV electron beam is used to excite a gaseous
hydrogen atom at room temperature. Determine the 72. A 12.3 eV electron beam is used to bombard gaseous
wavelength and the corresponding series of the lines hydrogen at room temperature. Upto which energy
emitted. level the hydrogen atoms would be excited? Calculate
Ans : Foreign 2009 the wavelengths of the second member of Lyman
series and second member of Balmer series.
Ans : SQP 2010

73. The energy of electron in first Bohr orbit of hydrogen

67. 1. The radius of the innermost electron orbit of a
atoms is - 13.6 eV . What is energy of electron in its
hydrogen atom is 5.3 # 10-11 m . Calculate its
2 nd Bohr-orbit?
radius in n = 3 orbit.
Ans : Comp 2016
2. The total energy of an electron in the first excited
state of the hydrogen atom, is –3.4 eV. Find out
its (a) kinetic energy and (b) potential energy in 74. An electron in a hydrogen atom, moves form n1 to n2
this state. state. If time-period of the electron in the initial state
is eight times that of final state,What is the possible
Ans : SQP 2011, Comp 2011
values of n1 and n2 ?
68. The ground state energy of hydrogen is -13.6 eV. Ans : Comp 2014 OD 2004
What is the kinetic and potential energies of the
electron in this state? 75. An a -particle of energy 5 MeV is scattered through
180° by a fixed uranium nucleus. What is the order of
or
distance of the closest approach?
Given the value of the ground state energy of hydrogen
Ans : OD 2012, 15
atom as -13.6 eV, find out its kinetic and potential
energy in the ground and second excited states? 76. In a hydrogen atom, when an electron jumps from
Ans : Delhi 2019 second orbit to first orbit, What is the wavelength of
spectral line emitted by hydrogen atom?
69. The electron in a given Bohr orbit has a total energy
Ans : Comp 2018
of - 1.5 eV. Calculate its
1. Kinetic energy 77. The first member of Balmer’s series of hydrogen has a
2. Potential energy c . What is the wavelength of its
wavelength of 6563 A
3. Wavelength of radiation emitted, when this second member?
electron makes a transition to the ground state.
Ans : SQP 2010
(Given, energy in the ground state = - 13.6 eV and
Rydberg’s constant = 1.09 # 107 m-1 )
Chap 12 Atoms Page 109

78. If the atom 100 Fm257 follows the Bohr’s atomic model distance of closest approach to the gold nucleus will
and radius of 100 Fm257 is m times the Bohr radius, be smaller and at some point the scattering will begin
what is the value of m ? to be affected by the short range nuclear forces, and
Ans : OD 2019, Foreign 2015 differ from Rutherford’s calculations. Rutherford’s
calculations are based on pure coulomb repulsion
79. Atomic radius of first orbit of hydrogen atom is 0.53 A c between the positive charges of the a particle and the
. What is the radius of its fifth orbit? gold nucleus. From the distance at which deviations
Ans : Delhi 2009 set in, nuclear sizes can be inferred. By performing
scattering experiments in which fast electrons, instead
of a particles, are projectiles that bombard targets
CASE BASED QUESTIONS made up of various elements, the sizes of nuclei of
various elements have been accurately measured. It
has been found that a nucleus of mass number A
1

80. Rutherford’s atomic model was a reasonably good has a radius R = R 0 A , where R 0 = 1.2 # 10-15 m
3

model of structure of atom based on the famous a . This means the volume of the nucleus, which is
-particle scattering experiment. However, it was proportional to R3 is proportional to A. Thus the
subsequently modified by Neils Bohr and later density of nucleus is a constant, independent of A,
on, by others. The resulting improvements in the for all nuclei. Different nuclei are likes drop of liquid
understanding of atomic structure have greatly of constant density. The density of nuclear matter is
contributed to further scientific advancement. There approximately 2.3 # 1017 kgm-3 . This density is very
are many other similar examples in scientific field when large compared to ordinary matter, say water, which
original contributors happily accept modifications in is 103 kg m-3 . This is understandable, as we have
their ideas. already seen that most of the atom is empty. Ordinary
matter consisting of atoms has a large amount of
empty space.
(i) What is relative density of nucleus with respect to
water?
(ii) What is the kinetic energy of a -particles
bombarded towards the gold nucleus in Geiger
and Marsden classic experiment?
(iii) What is the range of volume of hydrogen nucleus?
Ans : Comp 2006, OD 2014

(i) Write two major drawbacks of Rutherford’s

atomic model ?
(ii) How were these drawbacks overcome in Neils 82. Everything around us which has mass and occupies
Bohr Model ? space is matter. It cannot be broken down further
Ans : OD 2013 using any chemical means because it is the basic
building block of an element. Every state of matter
81. Rutherford was the pioneer who postulated and solid, liquid, gas, and plasma is composed of either
established the existence of the atomic nucleus. atom either it is neutral (unionized), or ionized
At Rutherford’s suggestion, Geiger and Marsden atoms. An atom is made up of three particles known
performed their classic experiment: on the scattering as protons, neutrons, and electrons. And these
of a -particles from thin gold foils. Their experiments particles are also made up from sub-particles. Among
revealed that the distance of closest approach to a gold these three particles, protons have a positive charge
nucleus of an a -particle of kinetic energy 5.5 MeV while electrons carry a negative charge and the third
is about 4.0 # 10-14 m . The scattering of a -particle particle neutrons have no electrical charge. And the
by the gold sheet could be understood by Rutherford charge of atoms depends on the number of protons
by assuming that the coulomb repulsive force was and electrons, i.e. an atom is electrically neutral if the
solely responsible for scattering. Since the positive number of protons and electrons are equal. If an atom
charge is confined to the nucleus, the actual size of has more or fewer electrons than protons, then it has
the nucleus has to be less than 4.0 # 10-14 m . If we an overall negative or positive charge, respectively.
use a -particles of higher energies than 5.5 MeV, the These atoms are extremely small or you can say
Page 110 Atoms Chap 12

their typical sizes are around 100 picometers. So the distance away. The electrons would be moving in
dense region consisting of protons and neutrons at the orbits about the nucleus just as the planets do around
center of an atom is known as the atomic nucleus of the sun. Rutherford’s experiments suggested the size
an atom. Every atom is composed of such nucleus and of the nucleus to be about 10-15 m to 10-14 m . From
some elections will be surrounding it. Studying these kinetic theory, the size of an atom was known to be
atoms and Nuclei will help us to have a thorough 10-10 m , about 10,000 to 100,000 times larger than the
understanding of matter. Studying about the nucleus size of the nucleus. Thus, the electrons would seem
and its reactions will help us to understand more to be at a distance from the nucleus of about 10,000
about nuclear energy, which is a very useful renewable to 100,000 times the size of the nucleus itself. Thus,
energy. That’s why it is very important to study about most of an atom is empty space. With the atom being
Atoms and Nuclei. largely empty space, it is easy to see why most a
-particles go right through a thin metal foil. However,
when a -particle happens to come near a nucleus, the
intense electric field there scatters it through a large
angle. The atomic electrons, being so light, do not
appreciably affect the a -particles. The scattering
data shown in fig. can be analysed by employing
Rutherford’s nuclear model of the atom. As the gold
foil is very thin, it can be assumed that a -particles
will suffer not more than one scattering during their
passage through it. Therefore, computation of the
trajectory of an alpha-particle scattered by a single
nucleus is enough. Alpha particles are nuclei of helium
(i) What is the basic unit of matter? atom. The charge of the gold nucleus is Ze , where Z
(ii) Which particle is responsible for the ionization of is the atomic number of the atom; for gold Z = 79
the atom? . Since the nucleus of gold is about 50 times heavier
(iii) Which is the most dense part of an atom? than a -particle, it is reasonable to assume that it
Ans : Comp 2009 remains stationary throughout the scattering process.
Under these assumptions, the trajectory of an alpha-
83. A typical graph of the total number of a -particles particle can be computed employing Newton’s second
scattered at different angles, in a given interval of law of motion and the coulomb’s law for electrostatic
time, is shown in fig. The dots in this figure represent force of repulsion between the alpha-particle and the
the data points and the solid curve is the theoretical positively charged nucleus.
prediction based on the assumption that the target
atom has a small, dense, positively charged nucleus.
Many of the a -particles pass through the foil. It means
that they do not suffer any collisions. Only about
0.14% of the incident a -particles scatter by more
than 1c; and about 1 in 8000 deflect by more than
90c. Rutherford argued that, to deflect the a -particle
backwards, it must experience a large repulsive force.
This force could be provided if the greater part of
the mass of the atom and its positive charge were
concentrated tightly at its centre. Then the incoming
a -particle could get very close to the positive charge
without penetrating it, and such a close encounter
would result in a large deflection. This agreement
supported the hypothesis of the nuclear atom. This is (i) What percentage of a particle scattered at an
why Rutherford is credited with the discovery of the angle more than 90c?
nucleus. (ii) Why the nucleus of gold is about remains
In Rutherford’s nuclear model of the atom, the entire stationary throughout the scattering process?
positive charge and most of the mass of the atom are (iii) Why electrons around the gold nucleus were
concentrated in the nucleus with the electrons some unable to deflect a particles?
Chap 12 Atoms Page 111

(iv) What is the ratio of charge on a particle and gold

nucleus?
Ans : SQP 2013

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