Bohr theory An early model of atomic structure, in which electrons circulate around the nucleus in discrete, stable orbits with different energy levels. This model was the first to predict and explain the atomic spectrum of the hydrogen atom, which arises as the electron jumps from one orbit to another orbit of lower energy, giving off electromagnetic radiation of predictable frequencies. Later models of atomic structure abandoned the idea of circular orbits, and explained the stable orbits as standing waves. See also atomic spectrum, orbital. |