Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321910419
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

Chapter 6 - Electronic Structure of Atoms - Additional Exercises - Page 254: 6.94a

Answer

Bohr model cannot be applied for the neutral $He$ atom since it has 2 electrons. There are also interactions between the electrons themselves, which Bohr model is not yet designed to account for.

Work Step by Step

The neutral $He$ atom has 2 electron surrounding the nucleus. Losing 1 electron, the atom becomes the $He^+$ ion. That means the $He^+$ ion has only 1 electron, so the Bohr model can be applied. Bohr model cannot be applied for the neutral $He$ atom since it has 2 electrons. The reason is that Bohr model is only concerned with the interaction between 1 electron and its nucleus. When there are 2 or more electrons in the atom, there are also interactions between the electrons themselves, which dramatically change the way electrons behave in an atom.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.