[shwouchk]

maybe a clearer case - the “planetary” model of electrons floating around the nucleus is useful in chemistry and is still taught in grade school, but i would definitely call it “discarded” in that no one doing research in the field would use that - it’s just a useful model for “engineering” practitioners

[XorNot]

I wouldn't say it's useful in chemistry. Chemistry at any basic level is deeply concerned with the shape of the probability fields of electrons around a nucleus since it's the dominant contribute to the shape of molecules and strength of bonding.

EDIT: Like ironically I would say the planetary model has 1 unique utility, which is that for hydrogen-NMR it's useful to just assume that 1 electron is producing a little magnetic field like a Bohr model atom.

[shwouchk]

im less interested in having a pedantic argument online regarding exact meaning of useful and exactly for what. the bottom line with this example is that its a useful model for some things and therefore still is taught in science classes today as a “correct” description just like NM, both of which which are not, fundamentally.

Take it or leave it :-)