CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Atomic structure · Atomic structure
Problem
According to classical electrodynamics, what would most likely happen to an electron moving in a circular orbit around a nucleus?
(a) It would emit radiation only when transitioning between orbits, so its radius would remain constant.
(b) It would gradually slow down, causing the orbit to expand to a larger radius over time.
(c) It would continuously emit radiation and spiral into the nucleus in a fraction of a second.
(d) It would remain in orbit without emitting radiation because its speed is constant and therefore it is not accelerating.