What does Bohr's theory state?
Bohr's theory, also known as the Bohr model or Bohr's atomic model, states that electrons in an atom orbit the nucleus in discrete energy levels or shells. These energy levels are quantized, meaning that electrons can only exist in certain specific energy states and cannot occupy the regions between these energy levels.
According to Bohr's theory, electrons can transition between energy levels by either absorbing or emitting energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. When an electron absorbs energy, it moves to a higher energy level or shell, and when it emits energy, it moves to a lower energy level or shell.
Bohr's theory also proposes that the energy of an electron is directly related to its distance from the nucleus. Electrons in lower energy levels have less energy and are closer to the nucleus, while electrons in higher energy levels have more energy and are farther away from the nucleus. The energy levels increase as the distance from the nucleus increases.
This theory was a significant advancement in understanding the structure of atoms and explaining various phenomena observed in atomic spectroscopy, such as the emission and absorption of light by atoms. However, it has been expanded upon and modified by more complex theories, such as the quantum mechanical model, which provides a more accurate description of atomic behavior.