Physics

Sample questions
12. ATOMS
Class : XII 2024-25

ALPHA-PARTICLE SCATTERING AND RUTHERFORD’S NUCLEAR MODEL OF

ATOM:
1) When alpha particles are sent through a thin gold foil, most of them go straight through
the foil, because
a) alpha particles are positively charged
b) the mass of an alpha particle is more than the mass of an electron
c) most of the part of an atom is empty space
d) alpha particles move with high velocity
2) According to Rutherford atom model, the spectral lines emitted by an atom is,
a) line spectrum b) continuous spectrum
c) line absorption specturm d) band spectrum
3) The Incorrect statement regarding Rutherford’s atomic model is
a) Atom contains nucleus
b) Size of nucleus is very small in comparison to that of atom
c) Nucleus contains about 90 % mass of the atom
d) Electrons revolve round the nucleus with uniform speed
4) α-particles are
a) helium nuclei b) sodium nuclei
c) ionised nuclei d) hydrogen nuclei
5) In α-particles scattering experiment, the force that scatters particles is
a) nuclear force b) coulomb force
c) Both (a) and (b) d) gravitational force
6) According to classical theory, the path of electron in Rutherford atom nuclei is
a) straight line b) spiral c) circular d) parabolic
ATOMIC SPECTRA:
1) A set of atoms in an excited state decays.
a) in general, to any of the states with lower energy.
b) into a lower state only when excited by an external electric field.
c) all together simultaneously into a lower state.
d) to emit photons only when they collide.
2) One of the following radiations are not emitted by electron transition in atoms, choose
the option
a) ultra violet b) infrared radiations c) visible rays d) α – rays
BOHR MODEL OF THE HYDROGEN ATOM:
1) What is the angular momentum of an electron in the fourth orbit of an atom?
a) 4.22 x 10-35 J s b) 4.22 x 10-34 J s c) 3.16x10-35 J s d) 3.16x10-34 J s
2) The ratios between the Bohr radii are:
a) 1 : 2 : 3 b) 2 : 4 : 6 c) 1 : 4 : 9 d) 1 : 3 : 5
3) As the electron in Bohr’s orbit of hydrogen atom passes from state n = 2 to n=1, the
kinetic energy K and the potential energy U change as
a) K four-fold and U two-fold b) K two-fold and U four-fold
c) K two-fold and U also two-fold d) K four-fold and U also four-fold
(K.E = =  K.E

When an electron passes from state n = 2 to n = 1, = = = 4  K.Ef = 4 K.Ei.

P.E = U = = U

When an electron passes from state n = 2 to n = 1, = = = 4  Uf = 4 Ui.)

4) If the energy of hydrogen atom in ground state is -13.6 eV, then its energy in the first
excited state will be
a) – 3.4 eV b) – 6.8 eV c) – 27.2 eV d) – 52.4 eV
(En = eV  energy in the first excited state (n = 2), E2 = eV = - 3.2 eV)

5) The energy E of a hydrogen atom with principal quantum number n is given by E = -

eV. The energy ejected when the electron jumps from n = 3 state to n = 2 state of
hydrogen is approximately
a) 0.85 eV b) 1.51 eV c) 1.89 eV d) 3.4 eV
(n=3  Ei = - =- = - 1.51 eV
n = 2  Ef = - =- = - 3.4 eV
The energy ejected (n = 3 to n = 2)  Ei – Ef = - 1.51 eV - (- 3.4 eV) = 1.89 eV)
6) The ionisation energy of hydrogen atom is 13.6 eV. Following Bohr’s theory, the energy
corresponding to a transition between 3rd and 4th orbits is
a) 3.40 eV b) 1.51 eV c) 0.85 eV d) 0.66 eV
7) The total energy of an electron in the first excited state of hydrogen atom is about -
3.4eV. Its kinetic energy in this state is
a) – 3.4 eV b) 3.4 eV c) – 6.8 eV d) 6.8 eV
(K.E = and P.E = U =  Total energy E = K.E+U =
Hence, E = - K.E = - (- 3.4eV) = 3.4 eV)
8) The Bohr model of an atom
a) assumes that the angular momentum of electrons is quantized.
b) uses Einstein’s photoelectric equation.
c) predicts continuous emission spectra for atoms.
d) predicts the same emission spectra for all types of atoms.
9) The radius of the innermost electron orbit of a hydrogen atom is 5.3 x 10 -11 m. The
radius of the n = 3 orbit is
a) 1.01 x 10-10 m b) 1.59 x 10-10 m
c) 2.12 x 10-10 m d) 4.77 x 10-10 m
 (Given: r1 = 5.3 x 10-11 m  rn = n2 x r1 = n2 x 5.3 x 10-11 m
The radius of the n= 3 orbit is, r3 = 32 x r1 = 9x 5.3 x 10-11 = 47.7 x 10-11 = 4.77 x 10-10 m)
10) In the following transition of the hydrogen atom, the one which gives an absorption line
of highest frequency is
a) n = 2 to n = 1 b) n = 3 to n = 8
c) n = 8 to n = 3 d) n = 1 to n = 2
(Absorption spectrum is observed when an electronic transition takes place from a lower
level to a higher energy level. So options (a) and (c) cannot be correct.
Highest frequency means maximum energy so, the transition involving maximum energy
is the right option, i.e, d) n = 1 to n = 2)
11) Of the following transitions in the hydrogen atom, the one which gives an absorption line
of maximum wavelength is:
a) n = 1 to n = 2 b) n = 3 to n = 8
c) n = 2 to n = 1 d) n = 8 to n = 3
(Absorption spectrum is observed when an electronic transition takes place from a lower
level to a higher energy level. So options (c) and (d) cannot be correct.
Highest wavelength means minimum energy so, the transition involving minimum
energy is the right option, i.e, b) n = 3 to n = 8)
12) The energy of an electron in nth orbit of hydrogen atom is En = - eV. The negative
sign of energy indicates that
a) electron is free to move.
b) electron is bound to the nucleus.
c) kinetic energy of electron is equal to potential energy of electron.
d) atom is radiating energy.
13) A photon beam of energy 12.1 eV is incident on a hydrogen atom. The orbit to which
electron of H-atom be excited is
a) 2nd b) 3rd c) 4th d) 5th
(En =  Ei = - 13.6 eV & Ef =
ΔE = Ef - Ei = 12.1 eV = - (-13.6 eV)
12.1 eV – 13.6 eV =  n2 = ≈ 9  n = 3)
14) Which state of triply ionized beryllium (Be+++) has the same orbital radius as that of the
ground state of hydrogen?
a) n = 1 b) n = 2 c) n = 3 d) n = 4
rn =  triply ionized beryllium (Be+++) also has one electron.
( ) ( )
rn  =
( ) ( )
= ( ) = 4  nBe = 2.
15) The de Broglie wavelength associated with electron revolving around the nucleus in the
second excited state of hydrogen atom is
a) λ = b) λ =
√ √
c) λ = d) λ =
√ √
 Total energy of electron revolving in second excited state (n = 3) of hydrogen atom is,
E3 = - 1.51 eV.
K.E = - E = 1.51 eV.
λ= =
√ √
16) In hydrogen atom, which of the following transitions produce a spectral line of maximum
frequency
a) 2 → 1 b) 6 → 2 c) 4 → 3 d) 5 → 2
17) In hydrogen atom, which of the following transitions produce a spectral line of maximum
wavelength
a) 2 → 1 b) 4 → 1 c) 6 → 5 d) 5 → 2
18) The radius of hydrogen atom, when it is in its second excited state, becomes:
a) half b) double
c) four times d) nine times
19) The order of size of nucleus and Bohr’s radius of an atom respectively are:
a) 10-14 m, 10-10 m b)10-10 m, 10-8 m
c)10-20 m, 10-16 m d)10-8 m, 10-6 m
20) In the lowest energy level of hydrogen atom, electron has the angular momentum:
a) π/h b) h/π c) h/2π d) 2π/h
21) The classification of discrete energy levels in atoms was first given experimentally by
a) Thomson’s experiment b) Millikan’s oil drop experiment.
c) Frank - Hertz experiment d) Leonard experiment
22) As the orbit number increases, the distance between two consecutive orbits in an atom or
ion having single electron:
a) increases b) decreases
c) first increases and then becomes constant d) remains the same
23) The possible values of principal quantum number can be
a) 1, 2, 3....8 b) 0, 1, 2...8.
c) Only zero d) only odd numbers
THE LINE SPECTRA OF THE HYDROGEN ATOM:
1) When an electron jumps from 1 n th orbit to 2 n th orbit then the formula for energy
radiated out is
a) E1 – E2 = h ν b) E2 – E1 = h ν
c) E2 + E1 = h ν d) E2 – 2 E1 = h ν
2) With the increase in quantum number the energy difference between consecutive energy
levels
a) remains constant
b) decreases.
c) increases
d) sometimes increases sometimes decreases
DE BROGLIE’S EXPLANATION OF BOHR’S SECOND POSTULATE OF
QUANTISATION:
1) According to De Broglie’s hypothesis, the orbits correspond to circular standing waves in
which the circumference of the orbit is
a) an integral multiple of wavelength b) always equal to wavelength
c) independent of wavelength d) an integral multiple of (h/2π)

Assertion – Reason Questions:

For the following questions, two statements are given – one labelled Assertion (A) and
the other labelled Reason (R). Select the correct answer to these questions from the
codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given below.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true and R is false
d) A is false and R is also false.
1) Assertion (A): Thomson’s model of the atom is known as plum pudding model.
Reason (R): In Thomson’s model, the electrons are assumed to be uniformly embedded
in a sphere of positively charged matter like the plums are arranged in a pudding.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2) Assertion (A): The positively charged nucleus of an atom has a radius of almost 10−15 m.
Reason (R): In α-particle scattering experiment, the distance of closest approach for α-
particles is ≃10−15 m.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
3) Assertion (A): Bohr’s theory of hydrogen atom could not completely explain the fine
structure of hydrogen spectrum.
Reason (R): The Bohr’s model correctly predicts the frequencies of the light emitted by
hydrogen atoms.
b) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A
4) Assertion (A): A simple Bohr atom model cannot be directly applied to calculate the
energy levels of an atom with many electrons.
Reason (R): Electrons experience force only due to positively charged atomic nucleus.
c) A is true and R is false
5) ASSERTION (A): When an electron in an atom moves from the ground state to a higher
energy level its kinetic energy decreases potential energy increases.
REASON (R): As the electron moves up from the ground state, the total energy of
electron increases.
b) both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is not the correct explanation of
Assertion.
6) Assertion (A): Between any two given energy levels, the number of absorption transition
is always less than number of emission transition.
Reason (R): Absorption transitions start from the lowest energy level only and may end
at any higher energy level. But emission transitions may start from any higher energy
level and end at any energy level below it.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
 DESCRIPTIVE QUESTIONS

ALPHA-PARTICLE SCATTERING AND RUTHERFORD’S NUCLEAR MODEL OF

ATOM:
1) Draw a plot of α-particle scattering by a thin foil of gold to show the variation of the
number of the scattered particles with scattering angle. Describe briefly how the large
angle scattering explains the existence of the nucleus inside the atom.

……………(1 m)
The data shows that large number of a-particles do not suffer large scattering but small
number suffer greater scattering. It is concluded that
(i) most of the space in the atom is empty. ……………(½ m)
(ii) massive positively charged nucleus occupies small region. ……………(½ m)

2) Define the term distance of closest approach. An α-particle of kinetic energy ‘K’ is
bombarded on a thin gold foil. The distance of the closest approach is ‘d’. What will be
the distance of closest approach for an α- particle of double the kinetic energy?
In general, the "distance of closest approach" refers to the minimum distance between
two interacting particles during a collision or interaction.
In the case of a charged particle approaching another charged particle (like an alpha
particle approaching a nucleus), the distance of closest approach is the distance between
the nucleus and a point at which the kinetic energy of the incoming (alpha) particle is
converted into potential energy of the system due to the electrostatic repulsion. …(1 m)
d= d ……………(½ m)
when K is doubled, d is reduced to half. ……………(½ m)

3) Determine the ratio of distance of the closest approach of a proton and an alpha particle,
incident on a thin gold foil, if they are accelerated through same potential difference (V).
4) The trajectories, traced by different α-particles, in Geiger-Marsden experiment were
observed as shown in the figure.
(a) What names are given to the symbols ‘b’ and ‘θ’ shown here?
(b) What can we say about the values of b for (1) θ = 0° (2) θ = π radians.

(a) ‘θ’ is the symbol of angle of scattering ……………(½ m)

‘b’ is the symbol of impact parameter ……………(½ m)
(b) (1) θ = 0°  Impact parameter is large and the α-particle goes nearly undeviated and
has a small deflection. ……………(½ m)
(2) θ = π radians  The impact parameter is minimum and α-particle close to the nucleus
suffers large scattering. In case of head-on collision (θ = π) and the α-particle rebounds
back. ……………(½ m)

5) Using Rutherford atom model of the atom, derive the expression for the total energy of
the electron in hydrogen atom. What is the significance of negative sign in the
expression?
The electrostatic force of attraction, Fe between the revolving electrons and the nucleus
provides the required centripetal force (Fc) to keep them in their orbits.
Thus, for a dynamically stable orbit in a hydrogen atom
Fe = Fc
=  m v2 = ……………(½ m)
The kinetic energy (K) and electrostatic potential energy (U) of the electron in hydrogen
atom are
K = ½ m v2 = and U = ……………(½ m)
Thus the total energy E of the electron in a hydrogen atom is,
E=K+U= - = ……………(½ m)
The total energy of the electron is negative. This implies the fact that the electron is
bound to the nucleus. ……………(½ m)

6) Write the limitations of Rutherford atom model.

According to classical electromagnetic theory, an accelerating charged particle emits
radiation in the form of electromagnetic waves. The energy of an accelerating electron
should therefore, continuously decrease. The electron would spiral inward and eventually
fall into the nucleus. Thus, such an atom cannot be stable. ……………(1 m)
As the electrons spiral inwards, their angular velocities and hence their frequencies
would change continuously, and so will the frequency of the light emitted. Thus, they
would emit a continuous spectrum, in contradiction to the line spectrum actually
observed. Clearly Rutherford model (the classical ideas) is not sufficient to explain the
atomic structure. ……………(1 m)
7) In a Geiger-Marsden experiment, what is the distance of closest approach to the nucleus
of a 7.7 MeV α-particle before it comes momentarily to rest and reverses its direction?
d= = 9 x 109 x = = 295.5 x 10-16 m

d 30 x 10-15 m

8) It is found experimentally that 13.6 eV energy is required to separate a hydrogen atom

into a proton and an electron. Compute the orbital radius and the velocity of the electron
in a hydrogen atom.

BOHR MODEL OF THE HYDROGEN ATOM:

1) State the postulates of Bohr’s model of hydrogen atom and derive the expression for
Bohr radius.
The electrons revolve in a circular orbit around the nucleus. The electrostatic force of
attraction between the positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons
provide necessary centripetal force for circular motion. ……………(½ m)
Bohr’s second postulate defines the stable orbits. This postulate states that the electron
revolves around the nucleus only in those orbits for which the angular momentum is
some integral multiple of h/2π. Thus the angular momentum (L) of the orbiting electron
is quantised. That is L = nh/2π. ……………(½ m)
When an electrons jumps from higher energy orbit to lower energy orbit, energy is
radiated in the form of a quantum or photon of energy hν, which is equal to the difference
of the energies of the electron in the two orbits. ……………(½ m)
Ln = m vn rn = nh/2π  m2 vn2 rn2 =  vn2 = ….…….(1)
=  v2n = ……………………….…..….….(2)
Equating (2) and (1),
=
rn =  rn n2 ……………(1 ½ m)
2) Using the second postulate of Bohr’s model of hydrogen atom, derive the expression for
the orbital period of the electron moving in the nth orbit of hydrogen atom.
Ln = m vn rn = ….…………………………………………….….(1)
From (1), rn = ……………………….…..….….(2)
From (1), vn = or vn2 = ….…………………….….(3) ………..….(1 m)
=  m vn 2 = ……………………….…..…….(4)
From (4), v2n = …………………..……….………….….(5)
Equating (5) and (3),
=
rn = …………………..………………….….….(6) ………..….(1 m)
Substituting (2) in (5), we get
v2n = =
( )

vn = …………………..………………….….….(7) ………..….(½ m)

( ) ( )
Orbital period = = = = .…..….(½ m)
( ) ( )

3) Using Bohr’s postulates derive the expression for the total energy of the electron in the
nth orbit of hydrogen atom.
The electrostatic force of attraction, Fe between the revolving electrons and the nucleus
provides the required centripetal force (Fc) to keep them in their orbits. Thus, for a
dynamically stable orbit in a hydrogen atom
Fe = Fc
=  m v2 = ………..(1)
The kinetic energy (K) and electrostatic potential energy (U) of the electron in hydrogen
atom are
K = ½ m v2 = and U =
Thus the total energy E of the electron in a hydrogen atom is,
E=K+U= - = ……………(1 m)
Using Bohr’s postulates,
mvr= v=
Using equation (1), r = = r= ……………(1 m)
( )

E= = =- ……………(1 m)
( )
4) In accordance with the Bohr’s model, find the quantum number that characterises the
earth’s revolution around the sun in an orbit of radius 1.5 × 10 11 m with orbital speed 3 ×
104 m/s. (Mass of earth = 6.0 × 1024 kg)

………..….(2 m)

5) In a hydrogen atom, when an electron jumps from second orbit to first orbit, what is the
wavelength of spectral line emitted by hydrogen atom?
Energy of the photon E = Ef – Ei = E2 – E1 = h ν =
λ= = = = = 1.21875 x 10-7 m
= 1219 Å ………..….(2 m)

6) Calculate the wavelength associated with the electron revolving in the first excited state
in hydrogen atom. The ground state energy of the hydrogen atom is – 13.6 eV.

7) (a) What is the value of angular momentum of electron in the second orbit of Bohr’s
model of hydrogen atom?
(b) Use Bohr’s model of hydrogen atom to obtain the relationship between the angular
momentum and the magnetic moment of a revolving electron.
(a) Angular momentum (L) of the orbiting electron is, L =
In second orbit, L = = ……………(½ m)
(b) Let T be the time period of rotation of an electron of mass ‘m’ and charge ‘e’.
Speed (v) = = T=
Current I = = = =

Magnetic moment, m = I A = π r2 [area, A = π r2]

 m= r= = mvr = L
Magnetic moment, m = L [where, angular momentum, L = mvr]
In vector form, ⃗⃗⃗ = ⃗ [as electrons are negatively charged particles] ….……(2 ½ m)

8) (a) The radius of the innermost electron orbit of a hydrogen atom is 5.3 x 10 -11 m.
Calculate its radius in n = 3 orbit.
(b) The total energy of an electron in the first excited state of the hydrogen atom, is –3.4
eV. Find out its (i) kinetic energy and (ii) potential energy in this state.
(a) rn = n2 r1 = n2 (5.3 x 10-11 m) ……………(1 m)
rd 2 -11 -11 -11
In 3 orbit, rn = (3) (5.3 x 10 m) = 9 x 5.3 x 10 m = 47.7 x 10 m = 4.77 Å …(1 m)
(b) We know that, K.E = - Total energy
The total energy = – 3.4 eV  K.E = 3.4 eV ..……….….(1 m)
From equations (2) and (3), U = 2 x Total energy
The total energy = – 3.4 eV  U = 2 x ( - 3.4 eV) = - 6.8 eV ..……….….(1 m)

9) The ground state energy of a hydrogen atom is –13.6 eV. What are the kinetic and
potential energies of the electron in this state?
Total energy E = - 13.6 eV
K.E = - E ………..….(½ m)
= 13.6 eV ………..….(½ m)
P.E = - 2. K. E ………..….(½ m)
= - 2 x13.6
= - 27.2 e V ………..….(½ m)

10) A 12.5 eV electron beam is used to bombard a gaseous hydrogen atom at room
temperature. i) Upto which energy level the hydrogen atoms would be excited?

………..….(1 m)

11) a) The energy levels of an atom of an element X are

shown in diagram. Which one of the level transitions
will result in emission of photons of wavelength 620
nm? Support your answer with mathematical
calculation.
b) If the wavelengths of the transitions A, B and D
are λA, λB and λD respectively, show that = + .
 a) For light of wavelength λ, energy of an incident photon is: E = h ν
= =
= 3.2 x 10-19 J
………..….(1 m)
E= eV = 2 eV ………..….( ½ m)
Hence, transition D will result in the emission photons of wavelength 620 nm....(½ m)
b) from the given figure, EB = EA + ED
= +
= + ………..….(1 m)

12) Atomic radius of first orbit of hydrogen atom is 0.53 Å. What is the radius of its fifth
orbit?
rn = n2 r1 = n2 (0.53 Å) ……………(1 m)
th 2
In 5 orbit, rn = (5) (0.53 Å) = 25 x 0.53 Å = 12.25 Å ……………(1 m)

THE LINE SPECTRA OF THE HYDROGEN ATOM:

1) A hydrogen atom initially in the ground state absorbs a photon which excites it to the n=4
level. Estimate the energy of the photon.
Energy of the photon E = Ef – Ei = E4 – E1
= -
= - 0.85 eV + 13.6 eV
= 12.75 eV = 20.4 x 10-19 J ………..….(1 m)

2) The ground state of hydrogen atom is - 13.6 eV.

i) What is the potential energy of electron in 3rd excited state?
ii) If the electron jumps to the ground state from the 3 rd excited state, calculate the
wavelength of photon emitted.

………..….(½ m)
………..….(½ m)

………..….(½ m)

………..….(1½ m)
DE BROGLIE’S EXPLANATION OF BOHR’S SECOND POSTULATE OF
QUANTISATION:
1) How is the stability of hydrogen atom in Bohr model explained by De Broglie’s
hypothesis?
De Broglie had proposed that material particle such as electrons also have a wave
nature. He argued that the electron in its circular orbit, as proposed by Bohr, must be seen
as a particle wave.
The quantised electron orbits and energy states are due to wave nature of the electron
and only resonant standing waves can persist.
According to de Broglie Hypothesis, 2 π r = n λ
=n
mvr =

2) Obtain the ratio of de-broglie wavelengths associated with an electron orbiting in 2 nd

excited state and 3rd excited state of a hydrogen atom.
According to de Broglie’s hypothesis, 2 π rn = n λ
2 π (n2 x 0.53 Å) = n λ
Hence, λ n ………..….(1 m)
= =
Where n = 3 (second excited state) and n’ = 4 (third excited state) ………..….(1 m)

3) What is the value of debroglie wavelength associated with moving electron in the second
excited state in hydrogen atom?
2 π rn = n λ ………..….(½ m)
λ= = = 2 π n ro = 2 x 3.14 x 3 x 0.53 Å ………..….(1 m)
= 9. 98 x 10-10 m 10 x10-10 m = 10-9 m ………..….(½ m)

4) Write two important limitations of Bohr atom model.

i) The Bohr model is applicable to hydrogenic atoms. It cannot be extended even to
mere two electron atoms such as helium. Bohr model does not include the electrical
forces between electrons which necessarily appear in multi-electron atoms. …..….(1 m)
ii) The Bohr’s model correctly predicts the frequencies of the light emitted by
hydrogenic atoms; the model is unable to explain the relative intensities of the
frequencies in the spectrum. ………..….(1 m)