Structure of an atom

Structure of an atom

Kiwis are a treat for our taste buds, but have you ever noticed their insides? It has a light-colored center and surrounding layers of black seeds located within the pulp of the fruit.

If we compare an atom with a kiwi, the concentrated central part can be compared with the positively charged atomic nucleus and the black seeds with the negatively charged electrons. These electrons were believed to revolve around the nucleus like the earth and the other planets revolve around the sun. As we know, the atom is the smallest particle of an element and no one can see the movement of these electrons with the naked eye. The nucleus has two types of subatomic particles, positively charged protons and neutral neutrons. The previously given concept of a mature nucleus and compliant electrons maintaining a regular and normal trajectory was proposed by the Danish scientist Niels Bohr.

In 1922, Bohr received the Nobel Prize for proposing this atomic structure that laid the foundation for quantum physics. But do you think that the passive and compliant electrons and the silent nucleus can generate the radioactivity? They will live happily together from then on, won’t they? But the reality is the tremendous energy of radio activity. Powerful alpha rays, beta rays, gamma rays, X-rays, and constantly moving quarks and neutrinos are the truth. What do these invincible phenomena contribute? When Bohr’s atomic structure failed to explain these phenomena, scientists came up with several ideas, including electrons moving in the same circular orbits but in different directions. Among them, Louis De Broglie borrowed Einstein’s wave theory of light and explained that all forms of matter such as protons, electrons, atoms, and molecules display a dual character like light. de Broigle, using Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetic waves, formulated the concept of matter waves. Matter waves are waves associated with microscopic particles in motion.

Let’s go back to the kiwi to understand the concept. In the picture, you must have seen the tender meat scattered around the black seeds. Imagine, these tender layers are the path of those seeds moving in and around and the tender layers are formed due to the movement of those seeds. Instead of forming a circular path, the path formed by the seeds is like waves. Similar is the case of the path of electrons around the nucleus. These electron paths around the nucleus are called orbitals. Orbitals are regions in space around the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found.

Now, let’s understand why scientists were concerned about the structure of the atom in terms of radioactivity. What is radioactivity? Radioactivity is the emission of radiation or particles caused by the disintegration of the atomic nucleus. Alpha Particles A positively charged particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons. Beta particles are negatively charged and are generated by the nucleus during its decay process, while gamma rays are neutral radiation. If Bohr’s model of the atom were correct, an atom will always have a stable nucleus with the same number of protons survived by the same number of compliant electrons moving around it at a desirable speed.

The disintegration of the core indicated the possibility of charge difference and increasing stress within the core. The main reason could be the mismatch in charge and that led to the discovery of the wave theory of subatomic particles. This concept led Werner Karl Heisenberg to formulate a principle about the location of electrons within atomic orbitals called the Hesenberg uncertainty principle. Heisenberg stated that “it is not possible to simultaneously and accurately determine both the position and the momentum of a microscopic particle in motion such as an electron, a proton, etc.” According to the uncertainty principle, due to the wave nature of the electron, we cannot describe the exact path, that is, the position followed by an electron at any time. Therefore, Bohr’s theory, according to which electrons are considered to have a fixed position of definite energy, is no longer correct.

How does it affect human beings if we believe that Bohr’s model of the atom is the correct model and we close all subsequent investigations based on wave theory? If scientists didn’t explore the truth behind the atomic structure,

1. We could never have treated cancer patients.

Gamma rays are used to kill cancer cells and are used to treat cancer. The atom of the element Cobalt-60 is commonly used for this purpose. Using radiation to fight cancer is an important career. With the increasing rate of cancer cases in the world, a degree in radiation therapy offers many opportunities.

2. Kill microbes

Gamma rays are used successfully to destroy microbes that cause food to spoil. Surgical instruments and syringes can also be treated with gamma rays. It is a great way to prevent the transmission of infections.

3. Carbon dating

When an animal or plant dies, it stops absorbing carbon. But its carbon-14 content continues to decline. If we compare carbon 14 with that of a living being, the age of animal and plant remains can be calculated. This is known as carbon dating. Carbon dating is used in the study of fossils. It is also a great career that has opportunities in the disciplines of archeology, paleontology, etc.

4. Calculate the age of the rocks

1.2% of the remaining potassium atoms is radioactive, known as K-40. The nucleus of this atom disintegrates for twelve thousand years and finally disintegrates to form the stable atom of argon. By tracking the argon content of potassium rocks, scientists can calculate the age of the rocks. Therefore, it is a great support for geologists and geographers.