In Niels Bohr's model of the atom, which statement best describes the behavior of electrons?

• A. Electrons orbit the nucleus in fixed energy levels without radiating energy.
• B. Electrons are embedded within a positively charged sphere.
• C. Electrons can exist at any distance from the nucleus without restriction.
• D. Electrons move randomly around the nucleus and continuously emit energy.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Niels Bohr's model was developed to explain the stability of atoms and the discrete lines observed in atomic spectra.
2. Recall that classical physics predicted electrons would spiral into the nucleus because accelerating charges emit radiation, but this did not happen in reality.
3. Bohr proposed that electrons move in specific circular orbits around the nucleus, each with a fixed energy level, and while in these orbits, electrons do not emit energy.
4. Recognize that electrons can only occupy these quantized energy levels and can jump between them by absorbing or emitting a photon with energy equal to the difference between levels.
5. Therefore, the correct description is that electrons orbit the nucleus in fixed energy levels without radiating energy, which explains atomic stability and spectral lines.