Modern Physics — Test

Question 19 • Physics

What is the main difference between the Schrödinger model and the Bohr atomic model?

Answer

Bohr believed electron orbits were circular, but Schrödinger’s equations represent complex shapes describing the probable locations of electrons.

Schrödinger believed that electrons could only exist in orbits, but Bohr stated that electrons could be found anywhere in the atom.

The Bohr model did not explain the emission and absorption spectrum, but the energy levels described by Schrödinger explained this property.

Bohr believed that the electrons circle the nucleus because positive particles attract negative particles, while Schrödinger believed that an electron was a wave.

Explanation

In the Bohr model, electrons move in specific circular orbits around the nucleus. In the Schrödinger model, electrons are described by wavefunctions, which give the probability of finding them in different regions; these regions can have complex shapes rather than fixed circular paths. So the main difference is captured by choice D.

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