AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
The theoretical calculations of Bohr agreed with experimental observations.
Full specification wording
The development of the model of the atom (common content with physics): The theoretical calculations of Bohr agreed with experimental observations.
A scientific model becomes accepted when its predictions match what experiments show.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 8 of 14
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
A scientific model becomes accepted when its predictions match what experiments show. Bohr calculated the energies and distances associated with electron orbits, and these theoretical calculations agreed with experimental observations, such as the light emitted and absorbed by atoms. This agreement gave strong support to Bohr's adaptation of the nuclear model. It also illustrates a key feature of science: models are judged by how well they explain and predict evidence. Agreement does not make a model final, because later evidence can lead to further refinement, but it does make the model more widely accepted at the time.
What earns the marks
- State that Bohr's theoretical calculations matched experimental observations.
- Give an example of relevant evidence, such as light emitted or absorbed by atoms.
- Explain that agreement between theory and evidence supports a scientific model.
- Recognise that a model supported by evidence may still be refined later.
- Distinguish between a prediction from a model and an experimental observation.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claiming Bohr's model was accepted because it was popular.
Put it right by stating that it was accepted because its calculations agreed with experimental observations.
Saying agreement proves the model is completely correct.
Put it right by explaining that models are supported by evidence but can still be refined.
Confusing theoretical calculations with experimental observations.
Put it right by describing calculations as predictions and observations as measurements from experiments.
Exam tips
- Use the phrase agreed with experimental observations when explaining why Bohr's model was supported.
- Give a specific type of evidence, such as light emitted or absorbed by atoms.
- Avoid saying a model is proven; say it is supported by evidence.
Try the lesson
The start of the The development of the model of the atom (common content with physics): The theoretical calculations of Bohr agreed with experimental observations. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What happened when Bohr's theoretical calculations were compared with experimental observations?
Listen
A scientific model becomes accepted when its predictions match what experiments show. Bohr calculated the energies and distances associated with electron orbits, and these theoretical calculations agreed with experimental observations, such as the light emitted and absorbed by atoms. This agreement gave strong support to Bohr's adaptation of the nuclear model. It also illustrates a key feature of science: models are judged by how well they explain and predict evidence. Agreement does not make a model final, because later evidence can lead to further refinement, but it does make the model more widely accepted at the time. A strong answer earns marks for these points. State that Bohr's theoretical calculations matched experimental observations. Give an example of relevant evidence, such as light emitted or absorbed by atoms. Explain that agreement between theory and evidence supports a scientific model. Recognise that a model supported by evidence may still be refined later. A common slip: Claiming Bohr's model was accepted because it was popular. Instead, stating that it was accepted because its calculations agreed with experimental observations. Exam tip: Use the phrase agreed with experimental observations when explaining why Bohr's model was supported.
Key words
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Theory and evidence
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Acceptance of scientific models
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Provisional nature of science
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See every definition
- Theory and evidence
- Agreement between theory and evidence supports a scientific model, because models are judged by how well they explain and predict evidence.
- Acceptance of scientific models
- A scientific model becomes accepted when its predictions match what experiments show, and agreement makes the model more widely accepted at the time.
- Provisional nature of science
- Agreement does not make a model final, because later evidence can lead to further refinement.
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