However, these models greatly contribute towards modern advanced models that explain the atomic structure. These models have limitations and do not explain some modern principles of physics. The center of the atom contains a positively charged nucleus and its negatively charged electrons are present in the space surrounding the nucleus.Įlectrons only emit waves of definite frequencies.Įlectron emission spectrum is a line spectrum.Įlectron emission spectrum is a continuous spectrum.īoth Bohr and Rutherford models are planetary models that explain the atomic structure up to a certain extent. Most of the atom consists of empty space.

Most of the atomic mass lies in the central nucleus, which contains protons, and the electrons are arranged in definite energy levels or shells. Rutherford model was proposed by Ernest Rutherford in 1911. Electron configuration determines the reactivity of the atom.īohr model was proposed by Niels Bohr in 1922. Atoms with complete electron configurations are not active. The model also proposed electronic configuration, which explains the arrangement of electrons in circular orbits designated as K, L, M, N, etc. In this model, Bohr mentioned that the most of the atomic mass lies in the central nucleus that contains protons and electrons are arranged in definite energy levels and revolve around the nucleus. Side by Side Comparison – Bohr vs Rutherford Model in Tabular Formīohr’s model was proposed by Niels Bohr in 1922 to explain the structure of the atom. The main difference between Bohr model and Rutherford model is that in Rutherford model, electrons can revolve in any orbit around the nucleus, whereas in Bohr model, electrons can revolve in a definite shell. Even though it was largely accepted, it still carries certain drawbacks and limitations. Bohr’s model was largely accepted and he was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work. Because of such limitations in Rutherford’s model, the Danish physicist Niels Bohr proposed a new model in 1913 based on the quantum theory of radiations. Certain theories such as electromagnetic theory presented by Maxwell could not be explained with Rutherford’s model. Then in 1911, the New Zealand physicist Ernest Rutherford proposed that atoms consist of two components: a positively charged nucleus in the center of the atom and negatively charged electrons in the extranuclear part of the atom.

He explained the laws of the chemical combination by considering atoms as invisible particles without a structure. The concept of atoms and their structure was first introduced by John Dolton in 1808. Key Difference – Bohr vs Rutherford Model

Bohr's atomic model definition