Bohr's model cannot explain the spectrum of neutral Lithium atoms because

Options

A. Lithium has neutrons in its nucleus
B. Lithium has 3 protons in its nucleus
C. Each lithium atom has more than one electron
D. Neutral lithium atoms have no spectral lines at all

Answer

To explain why Bohr's model cannot explain the spectrum of neutral lithium atoms, we can break down the reasoning into clear steps:

### Step 1: Understanding Bohr's Model
Bohr's model of the atom was developed primarily for hydrogen-like species, which are atoms or ions that have only one electron. This model successfully explains the spectral lines of hydrogen due to the simple structure of the hydrogen atom.

**Hint:** Recall that Bohr's model is specifically designed for hydrogen-like atoms, which have only one electron.

### Step 2: Identifying the Structure of Lithium
Neutral lithium (Li) has three electrons. It consists of three protons in the nucleus and three electrons orbiting around it. This multi-electron configuration complicates the interactions between electrons and makes the energy levels more complex.

**Hint:** Remember that the number of electrons in an atom affects its energy levels and spectral lines.

### Step 3: Complexity of Multi-Electron Atoms
In a multi-electron atom like lithium, the electrons interact with each other, leading to electron-electron repulsion. This interaction causes the energy levels to shift and split, resulting in a more complex spectrum that cannot be accurately described by Bohr's model.

**Hint:** Consider how electron-electron interactions in multi-electron atoms differ from single-electron atoms.

### Step 4: Conclusion on Spectral Lines
Because of the presence of multiple electrons and the resulting complexities, the spectral lines of neutral lithium cannot be predicted using Bohr's model. The model fails to account for the additional interactions and energy level splitting that occur in atoms with more than one electron.

**Hint:** Think about how the simplicity of Bohr's model breaks down when applied to atoms with more than one electron.

### Final Conclusion
In summary, Bohr's model cannot explain the spectrum of neutral lithium atoms because it is designed for hydrogen-like species with a single electron. The presence of three electrons in lithium leads to complex interactions that are not accounted for in the Bohr model.