What are the limitations of Thomson's model?

What are the limitations of Thomson's model?

Thomson's model, also known as the plum pudding model, has several limitations. Firstly, it doesn't explain the stability of atoms. Secondly, it fails to account for the existence of the nucleus, which was later discovered. Additionally, it cannot explain the results of Rutherford's gold foil experiment, which showed that atoms have a dense, positively charged nucleus.

Why is the nucleus important in atomic structure?

The nucleus is crucial because it contains most of the atom's mass and positive charge. It plays a key role in determining the chemical properties of an element and is essential for understanding nuclear reactions.

What model replaced Thomson's model?

Thomson's model was eventually replaced by Rutherford's nuclear model, which introduced the concept of a dense nucleus surrounded by electrons in orbit.

How did Rutherford's experiment change our understanding of the atom?

Rutherford's experiment revealed that atoms are mostly empty space with a small, dense nucleus at the center, fundamentally changing our understanding of atomic structure.

Are there any modern models of the atom?

Yes, modern atomic models, like the quantum mechanical model, describe electrons in terms of probabilities and energy levels rather than fixed orbits.