On Bohr’s Model of the Atom

(A. Szarvassi. Über das Bohrsche Atommodelle Phys. ZS. 19, p. 505—1918).

The author begins with these words: “The true nature of Bohr’s model of the atom is not known to us. We do not understand why an electron in its stable orbit does not radiate; it is impossible to see why these orbits are in fact stab—”

[[unclear: beginning of word]]; it is unclear that the transition from one stable orbit to another stable one is connected with monochromatic radiation; it is entirely unclear why the change in energy in this transition is equal to the product of Planck’s constant \(h\) and the frequency of oscillations \(\nu\) of the emitted light. Only the results are quite definite, and, since no one will regard as accidental the prediction of the Rydberg constant from molecular data and the representation of \(\nu\) in the form of Balmer’s formula, we are faced with the task of correctly interpreting Bohr’s magnificent discovery. It may be assumed that the modern conception of the atom, which contains so much that is unclear, is only an image, while its true content is statistical in essence. This conception does not lead into error: those properties which appear miraculous in the model are in reality statistical phenomena, arising thanks to the simultaneous interaction of many atoms. I intend to give, in what follows, a correct conception of the subject.”

The author then examines the case of Bohr’s hydrogen atom placed among other similar atoms and comes to the conclusion that a series of phenomena, incomprehensible under the usual conception of Bohr’s model, disappear under their statistical interpretation.

P. Lazarev.