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SucculentLamb
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Homework Statement
(a) Derive an expression for the electron's speed in the nth Bohr model.
(b) Prove that the orbit with highest speed is the n = 1 orbit,with v(1) = ke^2 / h
compare this with the speed of light , and comment on the validity of ignoring relativity (as we did) in discussing the hydrogen atom.
(c) the ratio
alpha = v(1)/c =ke^2 / hc
is called the " fine structure constant" and is generally quoted a s alpha ~ 1/37. verify this value
Homework Equations
So, I was thinking of using (momentum) mvr=hn/2(pi) which works out to give a nice expression for the velocity, but it fails in the next two parts of the problem.
I also looked at the equation for the bohr radius: a = hbar^2/ke^2m but again, I'm not sure that this would work with the rest of the problem.
The Attempt at a Solution
Like I said, I tried the above two equations, but neither seemed to yield an answer that would allow for solving of parts (b) and (c). Really, I would just love some help with part (a) to give me a push in the right direction. Thanks!