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What are the limitations of J.J.Thomson’s model of the atom?

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Last updated date: 04th Jul 2024
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Answer
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Hint: When the structure of atoms was not known, many models were made for the structure of atoms. One of these models was Thomson’s model. Thomson’s model is also known as plum pudding model.

Complete step by step answer:
When the structure of the atom was not known, many predictions were made for the structure of the atom. One of these predictions was made by J.J.Thomson. J.J.Thomson’s model is also known as plum pudding model. When this model was predicted electrons were discovered but the nucleus was not discovered. So, according to this model electrons were negatively charged particles and the net charge on an atom is zero. In this model, J.J.Thomson explained that a negatively charged particle that is an electron is surrounded by a volume of positive charge. This model was very similar to plum pudding where, plum resembles negative particles embedded in pudding that is positive charge. Magnitude of positive charge is equal to the magnitude of negative charge and the atom as a whole is neutral. Limitations of this model are written below:
$1$. Thomson’s model couldn’t explain the stability of the atom. According to this model negatively charged particles are embedded in positive charge, but this model failed to explain how positive and negative charge could remain so close together.
$2$. This model was unable to explain the experiments performed by other scientists.
$3$. In this model there was no mention of the nucleus of an atom.

Note:
Every atom is composed of a nucleus and electrons. These electrons are bound to the nucleus. Positively charged particles (protons) and neutral particles (neutrons) reside in the nucleus ad electrons revolve around the nucleus in a circular orbit.