Rutherford and Bohr Atomic Theory
Both Rutherford model and Bohr model present the same idea of atomic structure with slight variations.

Difference between Rutherford Atomic Theory and Bohr Atomic Theory
Rutherford’s Atomic Theory | Bohr’s Atomic Theory |
According to the Rutherford theory, an atom has a central nucleus where nearly all of its mass is concentrated, and lighter particles (electrons) circulate all around it. | According to Bohr’s Theory, electrons always move through particular shells that surround the nucleus and have constant energy. |
Rutherford’s theory is based on the observations of the gold foil experiment. | Bohr’s Theory is based on observations of the line spectra of a hydrogen atom. |
It was based on classical theory. | It was based on quantum theory. |
Electrons revolve around the nucleus | Electrons revolve around the nucleus in orbits of fixed energy. |
No idea of orbits was introduced | Orbits had angular momentum .i.e. mvr = nh /2 π |
Atoms should produce a continuous spectrum | Atoms should produce line spectrum |
Atoms should collapse (break/disintegrate) | Atoms should exist. |

Frequently Asked Questions -FAQs
What is the definition of Bohr model?
Based on the idea that some physical quantities can only have discrete values, Niels Bohr offered a theory for the hydrogen atom in 1913. Only in the designated orbits can electrons circulate around a nucleus; if they jump to a lower-energy orbit, the energy difference is released as radiation.
What is Rutherford’s nuclear model?
According to Rutherford’s theory, an atom’s nucleus is surrounded by electrons that are negatively charged. He also asserted that the electrons that surround the nucleus travel in a circular pattern at extremely high speeds.
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