How can an electron's energy be measured as potential when it is constant motion in Rutherford atomic model?

In Rutherford model of atom, an electron is said to be in rapid motion that it merges with the nucleus in 10^-7 seconds. Then how can it have potential?How can an electron's energy be measured as potential when it is constant motion in Rutherford atomic model?this is where the rutherford model breaks down, and why newer models have been developed. Perhaps the best way to think of an atom is as a kernel - the nucleus - with electrons distributed around it - but not "orbiting"



Depending on the energy level there are different probability distributions for "where electrons might be"

For the s orbitals that is a spherical shell - (Its a bit like the earth with clouds above it ) OK easy.



The "p" orbitals are shaped like an egg timer - and there is a small but finite chance the electron can be INSIDE the nucleus!



Higher orbitals - d,f,g,h etc are even more strange!

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