The atom and the Bohr theory of its structure : $b an elementary presentationHolst, Helge
Science
The atom and the Bohr theory of its structure : $b an elementary presentation
Holst, Helge
Atomic theory
We have dwelt at length upon the theory of the hydrogen spectrum
because it was particularly in this relatively simple spectrum that
the Bohr theory first showed its fertility. Moreover, by studying
the case of the hydrogen atom with its one electron, it is easier to
gain insight into the fundamental ideas of the Bohr theory and its
revolutionary character. Naturally, the theory is limited neither
to the hydrogen atom nor to spectral phenomena, but has a much more
general application. As has already been said, it takes, as its
problem, the explanation of every one of the physical and chemical
properties of all the elements, with the exception of those properties
known to be nuclear (cf. p. 94). This very comprehensive problem can
naturally, even in its main outlines, be solved but gradually and by
the co-operation of many scientists, and it is quite impossible to go
very deeply into the great work which has already been accomplished,
and into the difficulties which Bohr and the others working on the
problem have overcome. We must be content with showing some especially
significant features.
Different Emission Spectra.
While the neutral hydrogen atom consists simply of a positive nucleus
and one electron revolving about the nucleus, the other elements, in
the neutral state, have from two up to 92 electrons in the system
of electrons revolving around the nucleus. Even 2 electrons, as in
the helium atom, make the situation far more complicated, since we
have in this case a system of 3 bodies which mutually attract or
repel each other. We are thus confronted with what, in astronomy, is
known as the three-body problem, a problem considered with respect
by all mathematicians on account of its difficulties. In astronomy,
the difficulties are restricted very much when the mass of one body
is many times greater than that of the others, as in the case of the
mass of the sun in relation to that of the other planets. Here, by
comparatively simple methods, it is possible to calculate the motions
inside a finite time-interval with a high degree of approximation even
when there are not two but many planets involved.
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