Question

What are the limitations of Rutherford’s model of the atom?

Answer 1

The limitations of Rutherford's model of the atom are:

• It failed to explain the stability of an atom.
• It doesn't explain the spectrum of hydrogen and other atoms.

Answer 2

According to Rutherford’s model of an atom, electrons revolve around the nucleus in fixed orbits. But, an electron revolving in circular orbits will not be stable because during revolution, it will experience acceleration. Due to acceleration, the electrons will lose energy in the form of radiation and fall into the nucleus. In such a case, the atom would be highly unstable and collapse.