What are the limitations of Bohr's atomic model in explaining electron travel?

In summary, the conversation discusses questions about quantum mechanics and Bohr's atomic model. Specifically, the questions address the concepts of an electron's energy and orbit, and the idea of energy loss during quantum jumping. The conversation highlights the limitations of the Bohr model and the need for quantum mechanics to fully understand the atom.
  • #1
gaugeboson
7
0
Here are a few questions about quantum mechanics (Bohr’s atomic model).
1. An electron is a particle revolving around the nucleus. So it should radiate energy (by classical mechanics). But if this energy comes from the orbital, it must finally become 0 and the electron must crash into the nucleus. Why does this not happen?
2. Why does the energy in the orbits remain constant?
3. During quantum jumping or an electron traveling between any 2 orbits, the electron must lose energy when it is between them in the atomic vacuum. Does this really happen?
 
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  • #2
1. The lowest energy level of an electron around an atom is not zero (solution of Schrödinger equation).

2. It doesn't.

3. Don't know what you mean.
 
  • #3
Kruger said:
3. Don't know what you mean.

Photon emission in energy state change maybe? But then it doesn't really lose the energy "while in anywhere" though.
 
  • #4
inha said:
Photon emission in energy state change maybe? But then it doesn't really lose the energy "while in anywhere" though.

When an electron drops from a higher energy state to a lower energy one, it does indeed emit a photon (or possibly excite another electron). As for your first two questions, they're resolved by quantum mechanics. The Bohr model (which you described) is not a correct view of the atom. There are probably a ton of posts on this already, so I suggest a search.
 
  • #5
Your basic difficulty is that you are trying to understand the atom on the basis of the Bohr model, which is oversimplified and essentially wrong.
1. This was Bohr's motivation for his model. He postulated (out of his hat) the constraint mvr=nhbar for angular momentum in a circular orbit.
This forbad continuous radiation that would destroy hydrogen in 10^-10 sec.
2. This just follows from Bohr's ad hoc constraint.
3. Questions like this demonstrate that the Bohr model is incomplete (at best),
and had to be supeerceded by QM.
 

1. What is an electron?

An electron is a subatomic particle with a negative charge that orbits the nucleus of an atom.

2. How do electrons travel?

Electrons travel in a zigzag pattern around the nucleus of an atom, jumping from one energy level to another.

3. What is an electric current?

An electric current is the flow of electrons through a conductor, which is typically a material that allows the flow of electricity.

4. What is the speed of electron travel?

The speed of electron travel can vary depending on the material and conditions, but they can typically travel at speeds of around 2,200 kilometers per second in a vacuum.

5. How does temperature affect electron travel?

Temperature can affect electron travel by increasing the kinetic energy of the electrons, causing them to move faster and potentially collide with other particles, which can affect their flow and conductivity.

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