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Rutherford's Model
Before we get to Bohr's contribution, it is important to note what his theory was based upon. Rutherford's new model of the atom basically introduced the idea of electrons circling the nucleus. However, this model contradicts the properties of electrodynamics, as the electrons would eventually lose energy and fall into the nucleus, making it unstable. We know this now not to be true, thanks to Niels Bore. -
Old Quantum Theory
Bohr improved Rutherford's model of the atom by theorizing that electrons in atoms orbit in a special way which releases their energy in the form of light. Therefore, they never lose momentum and maintain their position in the atom. This sparked the beginning of what scientists today call the old quantum theory. -
Element Configuration
Bohr also created the new model for the atom that illustrates how electrons move around a nucleus utilizing "shells". This enabled scientists to configure elements in an easier way. -
Periodic Table
Because of these discoveries, Bohr developed the fundamental understanding of the periodic table. He also led to the discovery of a new element, which was named after him: Bohrium. -
Winning the Nobel Prize
in 1922, Niels Bohr was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics "for his services in the investigation of the structure of atoms and of the radiation emanating from them." -
Nuclear Fission
Bohr developed a new way to look at atomic nuclei, utilizing a metaphor of liquid drops, which contributed to the development of nuclear fission. He was able to identify which atoms would most likely respond to the process. -
Niels Bohr
Bohr's accomplishments revolutionized the world of Physics and was the catalyst for most modern day technology. For an additional entertaining and informative look at Niels Bohr's contributions to science, please watch the video below! [https://youtu.be/1b9UKTbjj7I] -
Sources
The Nobel Prize in Physics 1922. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Media AB 2020. Sun. 22 Mar 2020. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1922/summary/ What Did Bohr Do? -- Niels Bohr's Times. In Physics, Philosophy, and Polity by Abraham Pais
Wilczek, Frank
Science; Jan 17, 1992; 255, 5042; ProQuest pg. 345
