What is the Difference Between Thomson and Rutherford Model of Atom?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The Thomson and Rutherford models of the atom are two early models that attempted to explain the structure of an atom. The main differences between them are:
- Nucleus: Thomson's model does not contain any details about the nucleus, while Rutherford's model explains that there is a nucleus in the center of the atom.
- Electron Distribution: Thomson's model states that electrons are embedded in a solid sphere, while Rutherford's model says electrons are located around the nucleus.
- Atomic Mass: Thomson's model explains that the mass of an atom is the mass of a positively charged sphere, while according to the Rutherford model, the entire mass of an atom is concentrated in the nucleus of the atom.
- Atomic Structure: Thomson's model, also known as the "plum pudding" model, describes the atom as a positively charged "soup" with negatively-charged electrons embedded within it. Rutherford's model, based on his gold foil experiment, shows that the atom is mostly empty space with a tiny, dense, positively-charged nucleus.
In summary, the Thomson model (also known as the plum pudding model) describes the atom as a positively charged sphere with electrons embedded within it, while the Rutherford model explains that the atom has a small, dense, positively-charged nucleus with electrons surrounding it.
Comparative Table: Thomson vs Rutherford Model of Atom
The Thomson and Rutherford models of the atom are two early models that attempted to describe the structure of the atom. Here is a table comparing the key differences between the two models:
| Feature | Thomson Model | Rutherford Model |
|---|---|---|
| Also Known As | Plum Pudding Model | Planetary Model |
| Description | Electrons are embedded in a positively charged sphere | There is a nucleus in the center of the atom, with electrons located around the nucleus |
| Nucleus | No details about the nucleus | Provides details about the nucleus and its location inside the atom |
| Mass | Entire mass of the atom is the mass of the positively charged sphere | Entire mass of an atom is concentrated in the nucleus of the atom |
| Subatomic Particles | Only electrons are considered | Electrons and the nucleus are considered |
The Thomson model, also known as the Plum Pudding Model, states that electrons are embedded in a positively charged sphere and does not provide any details about the nucleus. On the other hand, the Rutherford model, also known as the Planetary Model, explains that there is a nucleus in the center of the atom, with electrons located around the nucleus, and provides details about the nucleus and its location inside the atom.
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