Question

What will happen if the electron revolving around nucleus of an atom becomes stationary?

• A. Will move away from nucleus.
• B. Will fall into nucleus.
• C. Nothing will happen.
• D. None of the above.

Hint:

In classical physics, a stationary electron would eventually spiral inward due to energy loss, unlike in the quantum mechanical model where electron orbits are stable.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the concept.
According to classical physics, when an electron moving around the nucleus comes to rest (becomes stationary), it will lose energy due to the attractive force between the electron and the nucleus. This loss of energy will cause the electron to spiral inward and eventually fall into the nucleus. This is the concept behind atomic models before quantum mechanics.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(1) Will move away from nucleus: This is incorrect. If the electron becomes stationary, it would lose energy and spiral inward, not move away.
(2) Will fall into nucleus: Correct. The electron will lose energy and eventually fall into the nucleus, which was a major issue in the classical model of the atom.
(3) Nothing will happen: This is incorrect. In classical mechanics, if the electron became stationary, it would eventually fall into the nucleus due to the attraction.
(4) None of the above: This is incorrect, as option (2) is correct.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (2) Will fall into nucleus, based on the classical model of the atom.