Question

When you were young, you may have had your own theory about why plants are green. Then, as you learned more, you kept ideas that were correct, but replaced ideas that were incorrect. Atomic theory also changed as scientists improved their understanding. Which incorrect idea in Bohr's understanding of the atom was replaced by later theories?A. Atoms cannot be divided. B. An atom is mostly empty spaceC. In an atom, electrons orbit the nucleus like planets orbit the sun. D. An atom includes electrons embedded in a sphere of positive charge

Answer 1

Let's determine which Bohr's understanding atom was replaced by later replaced by later theories.

Let's start checking from choice A.

It is still true that atoms cannot be divided, created nor destroyed. So this statement is still correct.

An atom is mostly empty in space. This is still true because it is still believed that atoms are 99.9% empty in space.

In atom, electrons orbit the nucleus like planets orbit the sun.

This idea has been shown to be wrong, rather it is known that the electrons do not orbit the nucleus like planets orbit the sun.

This idea has been replaced by modern atomic theory which believes electrons exist as clouds surrounding the nucleus.

Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

ANSWER:

C. In an atom, electrons orbit the nucleus like planets orbit the sun.