1.Distinguish between atomic physics and nuclear physics?
2.Briefly describe the Bohr model of the atom. What is Bohr’s key idea (involving matter waves) that makes the Bohr atom have discrete
energy levels? I really didn't understand what they were wanting, so many of scientist would dissagree
with what he believed.
1. I will be happy to critique your thinking.
2. As I stated previously, Bohr had no idea of matter waves existing. If your teacher or text is teaching that, it is nonsense. Disregard that idea.
Bohr had no idea why the energy levels were discrete. Bohr just postulated the electrons could be in only discrete levels. It was Louie DeBroglie in the late 1920's who assumed electrons were matter waves, and he demostrated that solutions to the wave equation yielded solutions which predicted Bohr's energy levels. Bohr's model predicted only the Hydrogen spectra well, but DeBroglie's model explained the rest very well.
1. Distinguishing between Atomic Physics and Nuclear Physics:
Atomic Physics: Atomic physics deals with the study of atoms, their structure, properties, and the interactions between atoms and light. It focuses on the behavior of electrons and the electromagnetic force that holds atoms together. This field explores phenomena such as atomic spectra, electron configurations, and the interactions between atoms and photons.
Nuclear Physics: Nuclear physics, on the other hand, studies the nucleus of an atom, nuclear processes, and the properties of subatomic particles like protons and neutrons. It involves investigating the structure and behavior of atomic nuclei, nuclear reactions like fission and fusion, radioactivity, and the fundamental forces that govern nuclear interactions.
While both Atomic Physics and Nuclear Physics explore the properties and behavior of atoms, their scope and focus differ. Atomic Physics primarily focuses on the electron's behavior and interactions with light, while Nuclear Physics focuses on the nucleus and its constituents.
2. Bohr Model of the Atom:
The Bohr model of the atom, proposed by Niels Bohr in 1913, is an early scientific model used to describe the behavior of electrons within an atom. It has limitations, but it provided a foundational framework in understanding atomic structures.
Key idea of the Bohr Model: Niels Bohr proposed that electrons orbit the nucleus of an atom in quantized energy levels, instead of following classical mechanics. Bohr introduced the concept of "matter waves" to explain why electrons occupy specific energy levels. According to the Bohr Model, electrons exist in fixed orbits around the nucleus, and each orbit corresponds to a specific energy level or electron shell. The electrons are confined to these energy levels and do not emit or absorb energy until they transition between levels.
The Bohr Model's key idea of matter waves is that electrons can only exist at specific energy levels, or discrete states, due to the wave-like nature of matter. This idea was significant because it explained why electrons do not continuously lose energy, as classical mechanics would predict.
It's important to note that while the Bohr Model was a major milestone in atomic theory, later scientific advancements and discoveries, such as quantum mechanics, revealed its limitations. Scientists have developed more accurate models, such as the quantum mechanical model, to explain the behavior of electrons in atoms.