Question #798aa
1 Answer
The Bohr model ignores the neutrons in the nucleus
Only the positive charges in the nucleus attract the electron. The neutrons have no effect.
The Bohr model applies only to the hydrogen atom and "hydrogen-like atoms".
A hydrogen atom consists of one electron and one proton — no neutrons.
A "hydrogen-like atom" is an ion like He⁺ or Li²⁺. It consists of one electron revolving about a positively charged nucleus. The Bohr model ignores the neutrons, because they do not attract the electron.
The Bohr model was successful because it explained the atomic spectrum of hydrogen and "hydrogen-like atoms".
The Bohr model did not perfectly explain the spectra of atoms such as He or Li. These atoms have more than one electron.
The electrons repel each other, and this changes their energy levels. Also, the electrons in inner orbits partially screen outer electrons from the full effect of the nucleus. Thus, the electron energy levels are not exactly the same as predicted by the Bohr model.
Still, the Bohr model was better than older models, and it worked well enough until a better theory came along.
