Which statement best describes Bohr's model of the atom and its explanation of atomic spectra?

• A. Bohr's model states that electrons are embedded within the nucleus, and atomic spectra arise from nuclear reactions.
• B. Bohr suggested that electrons are randomly distributed around the nucleus, and atomic spectra are produced by collisions between electrons.
• C. Bohr proposed that electrons orbit the nucleus in fixed energy levels, and atomic spectra result from electrons transitioning between these levels, emitting or absorbing specific amounts of energy.
• D. Bohr believed that electrons move in elliptical orbits, and atomic spectra are due to the continuous emission of energy as electrons spiral into the nucleus.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Bohr's model was developed to explain the discrete lines observed in atomic spectra, which classical physics could not explain.
2. Recall that Bohr proposed electrons move in specific, fixed circular orbits (energy levels) around the nucleus without radiating energy continuously.
3. Recognize that each orbit corresponds to a quantized energy level, meaning electrons can only exist in these allowed orbits with certain energies.
4. Know that atomic spectra arise when electrons transition between these fixed energy levels, emitting or absorbing photons with energy equal to the difference between the initial and final levels.
5. Conclude that Bohr's model explains atomic spectra as the result of electrons jumping between quantized orbits, producing discrete spectral lines rather than continuous emission.