The development of the model of the atom (common content with chemistry) — AQA GCSE Physics
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The development of the model of the atom (common content with chemistry) explained
A suggestion becomes an accepted model only when its predictions are tested against measurement.
Read the full explanation
Bohr's idea of fixed orbits allowed him to calculate values that could be compared directly with what experimenters had measured, and the two agreed. That agreement, not Bohr's reputation, is why the scientific community adopted his version of the atom. The process is general: a model makes a prediction, experiments test it, and other scientists check the work by peer review and by repeating the measurements themselves, which is done to make sure the observations are correct. Agreement never makes a model permanent, since later evidence can still force a further change.
Your focus
- Explain why agreement between calculation and measurement led to Bohr's model being accepted.
- Describe the purpose of peer review when new scientific results are published.
- Explain why an accepted model may still be changed by later experimental evidence.
The development of the model of the atom (common content with chemistry) exam tips
Marking Points
- one mark for stating that Bohr's theoretical calculations were compared with experimental measurements
- one mark for stating that the two agreed, which is why the model was accepted
- one mark for stating that a model is accepted only when its predictions match observations
- one mark for stating that other scientists check results by peer review or by repeating the work
Examiner Tips
- 💡Answer acceptance questions with the phrase calculations agreed with experimental observations.
- 💡If peer review is mentioned, state its purpose: to check that the observations are correct.
- 💡Say models remain open to change; examiners reward that caution.
Common Mistakes
- saying the model was accepted because Bohr was a respected scientist
- treating agreement with one set of results as proof that a model can never change
- saying a theory is accepted before any evidence has been collected
- confusing peer review with publicity in newspapers or on television