Skip to main content
Chapter 8 of 14
Flashcards

Atoms

CBSE · Class 12 · Physics

Flashcards for Atoms — CBSE Class 12 Physics. Quick Q&A cards covering key concepts, definitions, and formulas.

30 questions20 flashcards5 concepts
20 Flashcards
Card 1Atomic Models

What is Thomson's plum pudding model of the atom?

Answer

According to Thomson's model (1898), the positive charge of an atom is uniformly distributed throughout its volume, with negatively charged electrons embedded in it like seeds in a watermelon. The ato

Card 2Rutherford Experiment

Describe the setup and key observations of Rutherford's alpha-particle scattering experiment (1911).

Answer

Setup: 5.5 MeV α-particles from radioactive Bi-214 were directed at a thin gold foil (2.1×10⁻⁷ m thick). Scattered particles were detected using a zinc sulfide screen and microscope. Key observations:

Card 3Atomic Models

What is the nuclear model of the atom proposed by Rutherford?

Answer

Rutherford's nuclear model states that: (1) The entire positive charge and most of the mass are concentrated in a tiny nucleus (10⁻¹⁵ to 10⁻¹⁴ m), (2) Electrons revolve around the nucleus in orbits li

Card 4Atomic Models

What are the major problems with Rutherford's nuclear model?

Answer

Two main problems: (1) Stability issue: According to classical electromagnetic theory, revolving electrons should continuously emit radiation, lose energy, and spiral into the nucleus, making atoms un

Card 5Atomic Spectra

What is the difference between emission and absorption line spectra?

Answer

Emission spectrum: When an atomic gas is excited (by electric current), it emits light containing only specific wavelengths, appearing as bright lines on a dark background. Absorption spectrum: When w

Card 6Bohr Model

State Bohr's three postulates for the hydrogen atom.

Answer

1st Postulate: Electrons revolve in certain stable orbits (stationary states) without emitting radiation. 2nd Postulate: Angular momentum is quantized: L = nh/2π, where n = 1,2,3... (principal quantum

Card 7Bohr Model

Derive the formula for the radius of nth orbit in Bohr's model.

Answer

For circular orbit: Centripetal force = Electrostatic force mv²/r = ke²/r² From quantization: mvr = nh/2π, so v = nh/2πmr Substituting: m(nh/2πmr)²/r = ke²/r² Simplifying: rn = (n²h²/4π²mke²) = n²(h²/

Card 8Bohr Model

What is the Bohr radius and its significance?

Answer

The Bohr radius a₀ = h²/4π²mke² = 5.3×10⁻¹¹ m is the radius of the first orbit (n=1) in hydrogen atom. It represents the most probable distance of the electron from the nucleus in the ground state. Al

+12 more flashcards available

Practice All

Get detailed flashcards for Atoms

Super Tutor gives you interactive content for every chapter of CBSE Class 12 Physics — summaries, quizzes, flashcards, and more.

Try Super Tutor — It's Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Atoms for CBSE Class 12 Physics?

Atoms covers several key topics that are frequently asked in CBSE Class 12 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.

Start by understanding all key concepts. Practise previous year questions from this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly. Use flashcards for quick revision before the exam.

There are 20 flashcards for Atoms covering key definitions, formulas, and concepts. Use them daily for 10–15 minutes for best results.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.