How did Niels Bohr describe the behavior of electrons in his atomic model?

• A. Electrons move in fixed, quantized orbits around the nucleus without radiating energy.
• B. Electrons are randomly distributed throughout a positively charged sphere.
• C. Electrons spiral into the nucleus due to continuous energy loss.
• D. Electrons exist as waves spread out in a cloud around the nucleus.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Niels Bohr's atomic model was developed to explain the stability of atoms and the discrete spectral lines observed in hydrogen.
2. Recognize that Bohr proposed electrons move in specific circular paths or orbits around the nucleus, each with a fixed energy level.
3. Note that these orbits are quantized, meaning electrons can only occupy certain allowed energy levels and not the spaces in between.
4. Bohr stated that while electrons travel in these fixed orbits, they do not emit energy as radiation, which prevents them from spiraling into the nucleus.
5. This model contrasts with earlier ideas where electrons were thought to be randomly distributed or continuously losing energy, and it laid the groundwork for quantum theory.