Which of the following statements describes how our model of the atom has changed?
A) The model of the atom has never changed.
B) Electrons are now commonly directly observed.
C) Electrons are now known to orbit the nucleus like a planet orbits the Sun.
D) The path of a single electron can now be followed exactly.
E) We now determine the probabality of finding an electron in a region of space.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Bohr model of the atom, which describes electrons as orbiting the nucleus like planets around the Sun, has been replaced by the quantum mechanical model. In this model, the behavior of electrons is described by probabilities, rather than definite paths. Therefore, E is the correct choice as it reflects this change in our understanding of the atom. A, B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the changes in our model of the atom.

Which of the Following Statements Describes How Our Model of the Atom