According to Bohr's model, why don't electrons collide with the nucleus of an atom?

Electrons can only inhabit specific, quantized energy levels at fixed distances from the nucleus, preventing them from spiraling into the nucleus.

Explain how the Bohr model accounts for the emission spectra of different elements.

Each element has a unique nucleus, and therefore differently spaced energy levels. When an electron transitions between energy levels, it emits a photon with energy equal to the energy difference between the levels. Because the energy levels are unique to each element, the emitted photons (and thus the emission spectrum) are also unique.

In the context of the Bohr model, what does it mean for an electron to transition from n=4 to n=2, and what can be determined from this transition?

It means the electron moves from the fourth energy level to the second energy level, emitting a photon with energy equal to the difference between these two levels. From this transition, the energy, frequency, and wavelength of the emitted photon can be determined.

Bohr's Atomic Model

11th GradeScience20 min

Learning Objective

I can describe the key features of the Bohr model of the atom.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

5 min

Bohr Model of the Hydrogen Atom

Professor Dave Explains

Guided Notes

5 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
Bohr extended energy quantization to the atom, stating that an electron can only inhabit certain energy levels at fixed distances from the nucleus.
•
An electron transitions between energy levels by absorbing or emitting a photon with energy equal to the difference between the energy levels.
•
The Balmer series contains transitions that generate photons of visible light, and each element has a unique emission spectrum due to its unique nucleus and energy levels.

Practice

10 min

3 questions • Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Describe three key features of the Bohr model of the atom, explaining how it addressed the problems with earlier atomic models.”

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

Answer keys for all questions
Differentiation strategies
Extension activities
Printable student handouts

Bohr's Atomic Model

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

New to Insta~Lesson?

About Insta~Lesson

How Insta~Lesson Helps Teachers Plan

How Insta~Lesson Supports Instruction Schoolwide