Bohr

Definition

Niels Bohr was a Danish physicist who developed the Bohr model of the atom, which describes electrons orbiting the nucleus in quantized energy levels. His work on atomic structure and quantum theory earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Bohr model introduced the concept of electrons traveling in specific orbits around the nucleus with quantized energy levels.
2. According to the Bohr model, electrons can only gain or lose energy by jumping from one allowed orbit to another, emitting or absorbing a photon in the process.
3. The energy levels in the Bohr model are given by $E_n = -\frac{13.6 \, eV}{n^2}$, where $n$ is an integer representing the orbit number.
4. The Bohr model successfully explained the spectral lines of hydrogen but had limitations when applied to more complex atoms.
5. Bohr's postulates helped lay the foundation for modern quantum mechanics and influenced subsequent models of atomic structure.

Review Questions

• What is one key feature that distinguishes the Bohr model from earlier atomic models?
• How did Niels Bohr explain the emission spectra of hydrogen?
• In what way did the Bohr model contribute to our understanding of atomic structure?

Related terms

Quantum Mechanics: A fundamental theory in physics that describes nature at the smallest scales, such as atomic and subatomic particles.

Photon: A quantum of electromagnetic radiation, which carries energy proportional to its frequency.

Spectral Lines: Distinct lines observed in a spectrum, each corresponding to a specific wavelength emitted or absorbed by an element.