Atomic Model - Class 11 NCERT Detailed Notes
1. Introduction to Atomic Models
• The concept of an atom has evolved over time.
• Various models were proposed to explain atomic structure.
• Modern atomic theory is based on quantum mechanics.
2. Dalton’s Atomic Theory (1803)
• Proposed that matter is composed of indivisible atoms.
• Atoms of an element are identical in mass and properties.
• Chemical reactions involve rearrangement of atoms.
• Limitations:
o Failed to explain the existence of isotopes.
o Did not describe the internal structure of atoms.
3. Thomson’s Model (1897) - Plum Pudding Model
• Atoms consist of a positively charged sphere with embedded electrons.
• Explained electrical neutrality.
• Limitations:
o Could not explain atomic stability.
o Failed to explain scattering experiments.
4. Rutherford’s Nuclear Model (1911)
• Based on Gold Foil Experiment:
o Most α-particles passed through, some deflected, few bounced back.
o Concluded that atoms have a small, dense, positively charged nucleus.
• Electrons revolve around the nucleus in orbits.
• Limitations:
o Could not explain electron stability.
o Did not explain atomic spectra.
5. Bohr’s Atomic Model (1913)
• Electrons revolve in discrete orbits called energy levels (shells).
• Energy is quantized; electrons absorb or emit energy when transitioning between levels.
• Energy of an orbit: En=−13.6n2E_n = -\frac{13.6}{n^2} eV
• Radius of orbit: rn=0.529×n2r_n = 0.529 \times n^2 Å
• Explained hydrogen atomic spectra.
• Limitations:
o Failed for multi-electron atoms.
o Could not explain Zeeman and Stark effects.
6. Quantum Mechanical Model
• Developed using Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle and Schrödinger’s Wave Equation.
• Electrons exist in probability clouds (orbitals), not fixed orbits.
• Quantum numbers define electron position and properties.
7. Quantum Numbers
• Principal Quantum Number (n): Defines energy level (n = 1,2,3...)
• Azimuthal Quantum Number (l): Defines subshell shape (s, p, d, f)
• Magnetic Quantum Number (m_l): Defines orbital orientation.
• Spin Quantum Number (m_s): Defines electron spin (+1/2 or -1/2).
8. Shapes of Atomic Orbitals
• s-Orbital: Spherical
• p-Orbital: Dumbbell
• d-Orbital: Complex shapes
• f-Orbital: More complex shapes
9. Electronic Configuration
• Aufbau Principle: Electrons fill lower energy orbitals first.
• Pauli’s Exclusion Principle: No two electrons in an atom can have the same set of
quantum numbers.
• Hund’s Rule: Electrons fill degenerate orbitals singly before pairing.
10. Atomic Spectra and Line Spectra
• When electrons jump between energy levels, light is emitted/absorbed.
• Emission Spectrum: Light emitted when electrons move to a lower energy level.
• Absorption Spectrum: Light absorbed when electrons move to a higher energy level.
• Hydrogen Spectrum: Explained by Bohr’s model (Lyman, Balmer, Paschen, Brackett,
Pfund series).
11. Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
• States that position and momentum of an electron cannot be measured simultaneously
with absolute precision.
• Formula: Δx⋅Δp≥h4π\Delta x \cdot \Delta p \geq \frac{h}{4\pi}
12. Schrödinger’s Wave Equation
• Describes electron behavior as a wave.
• Probability distribution of electrons gives rise to orbitals.
These notes provide a comprehensive overview of atomic models as per Class 11 NCERT
syllabus.
