Which statement best describes the orbits of electrons according to the Bohr model?

• A. Electrons move randomly around the nucleus without any defined path.
• B. Electrons move in elliptical orbits with continuously variable energies.
• C. Electrons move in fixed, circular orbits around the nucleus at specific energy levels.
• D. Electrons are stationary and do not move around the nucleus.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Bohr model of the atom was an early quantum model developed to explain the hydrogen atom's spectral lines.
2. Understand that in the Bohr model, electrons are not described as moving randomly or stationary; instead, they move in specific paths.
3. Recognize that these paths are fixed, circular orbits around the nucleus, each corresponding to a quantized energy level.
4. Know that electrons can only occupy these discrete orbits and have specific energies associated with each orbit, meaning energy is quantized.
5. Therefore, the best description according to the Bohr model is that electrons move in fixed, circular orbits around the nucleus at specific energy levels.