Which statement best describes the Bohr model of the atom?

• A. Electrons are distributed randomly around the nucleus.
• B. Electrons move freely between energy levels without absorbing or emitting energy.
• C. Electrons are embedded within a positively charged sphere.
• D. Electrons orbit the nucleus in fixed energy levels without radiating energy.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the Bohr model of the atom was proposed to explain the stability of atoms and the discrete lines observed in atomic spectra.
2. Recall that in the Bohr model, electrons move in specific circular orbits around the nucleus, each orbit corresponding to a fixed energy level.
3. Recognize that electrons do not radiate energy while they remain in these fixed orbits, which prevents the atom from collapsing.
4. Note that electrons can only gain or lose energy by jumping between these fixed energy levels, absorbing or emitting a photon with energy equal to the difference between levels.
5. Compare the given statements to these key features of the Bohr model to identify the correct description: electrons orbit the nucleus in fixed energy levels without radiating energy.