Bohr's Intuition: How He Knew Angular Momentum Without Proof

In summary, Niels Bohr proposed that the orbit in which an electron moves is an integral multiple of its angular momentum, which was a bold idea at the time. This concept of angular momentum, which had been understood in classical physics, has proven to be applicable in the quantum world as well. Bohr based his proposal on the assumption that the electron is a de Broglie wave, and by using the de Broglie formula and the condition for constructive interference, he was able to derive the quantization of angular momentum. Despite there being no concrete proof for this saying, it has been a fundamental principle in understanding atomic stability.
  • #1
shravan
16
0
there is no proof for the saying that the orbit in which an electron is moving is an integral multiple of angular momentum? how did bohr guess that it is angular momentum ;why didnot he try other angular variables?
my question is how he knew angular momentum without any proof.
 
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  • #2
The 'proof' is that the Bohr model solves the problem that classical theory could not explain regarding atomic stability. He didn't 'guess'. He made a bold proposal (at the time) that the radius of orbit was quantized. Consequently, its angular momentum must be as well. The concept of angular momentum is relatively classical in origin and was understood way back before Bohr. It has proved to apply in the quantum world as well.
 
  • #3
there is no proof for the saying that the orbit in which an electron is moving is an integral multiple of angular momentum? how did bohr guess that it is angular momentum ;why didnot he try other angular variables?

He started with the assumption that the electron is a de Broglie wave with wavelength given by the de Broglie formula:

[tex]\lambda = h/mv[/tex].

Then, he said that for such a wave "wrapped around" the nucleus to undergo constructive interference, it must satisfy the condition:

[tex]2 \pi r = n\lambda[/tex]

where r is the orbital radius, and n is an integer greater than or equal to one.

From that formula, it is very easy to derive the quantisation of angular momentum:

[tex]L = mvr = n \hbar[/tex]

Try it yourself. It only takes a couple of lines of working.
 

What is Bohr's intuition?

Bohr's intuition refers to his ability to make insightful and accurate predictions about the behavior of electrons in atoms, particularly with regards to their angular momentum, without having a formal mathematical proof.

How did Bohr develop his intuition?

Bohr's intuition is believed to have been developed through his extensive knowledge and understanding of physics, as well as his ability to think creatively and make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts.

What is the significance of Bohr's intuition?

Bohr's intuition was a crucial aspect of his atomic model, which revolutionized the field of physics and led to a better understanding of the behavior of electrons in atoms. It also paved the way for further developments in quantum mechanics.

Are there any criticisms of Bohr's intuition?

Some scientists have criticized Bohr's intuition, arguing that it was based on a limited understanding of quantum mechanics and that his predictions were not always accurate. However, his contributions to the field are still widely recognized and celebrated.

Can anyone develop intuition like Bohr?

While it is difficult to replicate the level of intuition that Bohr possessed, it is possible for individuals to develop their own intuition through extensive study, practice, and creative thinking. However, it is important to note that intuition alone is not enough to make accurate predictions and must be supported by evidence and rigorous scientific methods.

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