Current Model of Atom vs. Schrödinger Atomic Model

Attribute	Current Model of Atom	Schrödinger Atomic Model
Creator	Various scientists (e.g. Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr)	Erwin Schrödinger
Year	Early 20th century	1926
Basic premise	Electrons orbit the nucleus in fixed paths	Electrons exist in probability clouds around the nucleus
Mathematical basis	N/A	Wave equations
Quantum mechanics	Does not fully incorporate quantum mechanics	Based on quantum mechanics

Introduction

The study of atoms has been a fundamental aspect of chemistry and physics for centuries. Over time, various models have been proposed to describe the structure of atoms. Two prominent models are the Current Model of Atom and the Schrödinger Atomic Model. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two models and explore their differences and similarities.

Current Model of Atom

The Current Model of Atom, also known as the Bohr Model, was proposed by Niels Bohr in 1913. This model depicts the atom as a small, positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons in fixed orbits. According to this model, electrons move in specific energy levels or shells around the nucleus. The model also suggests that electrons can jump between these energy levels by absorbing or emitting energy in the form of photons.

• The Current Model of Atom is relatively simple and easy to understand.
• It provides a visual representation of the structure of an atom.
• This model successfully explains the spectral lines of hydrogen atoms.
• It laid the foundation for the development of quantum mechanics.
• However, the model has limitations when it comes to explaining the behavior of atoms with more than one electron.

Schrödinger Atomic Model

The Schrödinger Atomic Model, also known as the Quantum Mechanical Model, was developed by Erwin Schrödinger in 1926. This model is based on the principles of quantum mechanics and describes the behavior of electrons in atoms as wave functions. In this model, electrons are not depicted as particles with definite positions and velocities but rather as probability distributions. The Schrödinger equation is used to calculate these wave functions and predict the probability of finding an electron in a particular region of space.

• The Schrödinger Atomic Model provides a more accurate description of the behavior of electrons in atoms.
• It accounts for the wave-particle duality of electrons.
• This model can be used to explain the behavior of atoms with multiple electrons.
• It has been successful in predicting the properties of atoms and molecules.
• However, the Schrödinger Atomic Model can be complex and difficult to visualize compared to the Bohr Model.

Comparison

When comparing the Current Model of Atom and the Schrödinger Atomic Model, several key differences and similarities can be identified. One major difference is the way electrons are depicted in the two models. In the Bohr Model, electrons are shown as particles moving in fixed orbits, while in the Schrödinger Model, electrons are described as wave functions with probabilistic behavior.

Another difference lies in the mathematical formalism used in the two models. The Bohr Model relies on classical mechanics and simple equations to describe the behavior of electrons, while the Schrödinger Model utilizes complex mathematical equations derived from quantum mechanics to calculate wave functions and probabilities.

Despite these differences, both models aim to explain the behavior of electrons in atoms and predict their properties. They both provide valuable insights into the structure of atoms and have been instrumental in the development of modern chemistry and physics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Current Model of Atom and the Schrödinger Atomic Model are two important models used to describe the structure of atoms. While the Bohr Model is simpler and easier to understand, the Schrödinger Model provides a more accurate and detailed description of electron behavior. Both models have their strengths and limitations, but together they have significantly advanced our understanding of atomic structure and properties.