Which of the following best describes the Bohr model of the atom?

• A. Electrons move in elliptical orbits around the nucleus.
• B. Electrons orbit the nucleus in fixed, quantized energy levels without radiating energy.
• C. Electrons are embedded within a positively charged sphere.
• D. Electrons are distributed randomly around the nucleus.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Bohr model was an early atomic model proposed to explain the stability of atoms and the discrete spectral lines observed in hydrogen.
2. Understand that in the Bohr model, electrons are not randomly distributed or embedded in a sphere; instead, they move in specific paths or orbits around the nucleus.
3. Recognize that these orbits correspond to fixed energy levels, meaning electrons can only occupy certain allowed energy states without existing in between them.
4. Note that electrons in these fixed orbits do not radiate energy as they move, which was a key departure from classical physics and explained atomic stability.
5. Therefore, the Bohr model best describes electrons orbiting the nucleus in fixed, quantized energy levels without radiating energy.