Final answer:
The Bohr model is useful for understanding atoms because it shows the distances of electrons from the nucleus, representing these distances as distinct energy levels. It introduces the concept of discrete energy levels for electrons but simplifies their actual spatial distribution, which is more accurately represented by complex orbital shapes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Bohr model of an atom is a powerful tool for understanding atoms, specifically because it shows the distances of the electrons from the nucleus. In Bohr's portrayal, the electrons occupy circular orbitals at specific distances, which correspond to distinct energy levels. This model helps us visualize the structure of an atom with electron shells or energy levels, designated by numbers and the symbol "n". For example, 1n would indicate the first energy level, which is closest to the nucleus. The notion that only certain discrete energies are allowable for an atom is a key concept introduced by Bohr's model, which reflects electrons' average distances from the nucleus rather than defining precise paths.
While the Bohr model simplifies the distribution of electrons by depicting them in specific orbits, in reality, electrons are found in more complex shapes called orbitals. Electrons behave not just as particles, but also as waves, and their probable locations are determined by mathematical equations from quantum mechanics known as wave functions. Despite its limitations in accounting for electron-electron interactions in multi-electron atoms and precisely predicting electron positions, the Bohr model remains useful for introducing several important features of electron distribution within an atom and explaining phenomena such as the emission spectra of hydrogen.