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

• A. Electrons occupy elliptical orbits with continuously variable energies.
• B. Electrons are randomly distributed throughout the atom.
• C. Electrons move in fixed circular orbits around the nucleus with quantized energies.
• D. Electrons are located only in the nucleus.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Bohr model of the atom was developed to explain the discrete spectral lines of hydrogen by introducing quantized electron orbits.
2. Understand that in the Bohr model, electrons do not move randomly or occupy elliptical orbits; instead, they move in specific, fixed circular paths around the nucleus.
3. Recognize that these circular orbits correspond to certain allowed energy levels, meaning the electron's energy is quantized and cannot take on arbitrary values.
4. Note that the Bohr model does not place electrons inside the nucleus; rather, electrons orbit the nucleus at defined distances.
5. Therefore, the best description of electron behavior in the Bohr model is that electrons move in fixed circular orbits around the nucleus with quantized energies.