Correct Option
The correct option isThe electron would radiate energy and lose stability.
Explanation
Rutherford’s atomic model likened the atom to a solar system, where electrons revolve around a positively charged nucleus in circular orbits. However, this model faced a significant challenge when analyzed through the lens of classical electromagnetic theory proposed by James Clerk Maxwell.
Analysis
- Acceleration of Charged Particles: According to electromagnetic theory, charged particles undergoing acceleration emit electromagnetic radiation continuously.
- Circular Motion and Acceleration: An electron moving in a circular orbit is constantly changing its direction of motion. Therefore, even if its speed remains constant, it is subject to centripetal acceleration.
- Energy Loss and Instability: Since the electron is an accelerated charged particle, it must radiate energy. As it loses energy, the radius of its orbit would gradually decrease.
- Consequence: The electron would follow a spiral path and eventually collapse into the nucleus. Calculations suggest this collapse would occur in a fraction of a second (approximately \(10^{-8}\) seconds), rendering the atom unstable. Since atoms are known to be stable, this was a major drawback of Rutherford's model.
Key Takeaway: Rutherford’s model failed to explain the stability of the atom because classical electromagnetic theory predicts that an accelerating electron in a circular orbit will lose energy and spiral into the nucleus.