Practice question
Question
What assumption in Rutherford’s model contradicts classical electromagnetic theory?
Explanation
**Bohr energy levels** E_n = -13.6/n² eV for hydrogen, negative indicating bound state, total energy = -13.6 eV ground state n=1, -3.4 eV n=2, -1.51 eV n=3, etc., photon energy for transition n_i → n_f is ΔE =13.6(1/n_f² -1/n_i²) eV, wavelength λ = hc/ΔE, h=6.6×10⁻³⁴ J·s, c=3×10⁸ m/s. Emission line spectrum characterized by discrete wavelengths because energy levels discrete. Rutherford assumes electrons orbit the nucleus like planets, but classical theory predicts they would radiate energy and collapse, not remain stable. Using E_n = -13.6/n² eV, r_n = n² a₀, L = n h/2π, R = R₀ A^¹/³, BE = Δm c² and 1 u =
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