What is the correct velocity of an electron in a bound orbit around a proton?

In summary, the conversation is discussing the calculation of the velocity of an electron in a circular orbit around a proton at a distance of 2 x 10^-8 cm. The equation used to calculate the velocity is v = (e²/r)¹/², where e is the elementary charge and r is the distance. However, there may be an error in the calculation as the resulting value is lower than the expected value. Additional information is needed, such as the mass of the electron, and it is recommended to write out the units when solving equations.
  • #1
LukasMont
6
3
Good evening!

The question states: 9. Electron in bound orbit about proton. Suppose that an electron moves in a circular orbit about a proton at a distance of 2 X l0^-8 cm. Consider the proton to be at rest. (a) Solve for the velocity of the electron by equating the centrifugal and electrostatic forces.

Considering that the elementary charge (charge of the electron is e = 4.8 x 10^-10 statcoloumbs), working on the cgs system, I equated the centrifugal force Fc=v²/r and the eletrostatic force Fe= e²/r². My way of solving the problem was:

Fc=Fe,
v²/r = e²/r²
v²= e²/r
v= (e²/r)¹/²
v= (2.3x10^-19/2x10^-8)¹/²
v = 11.5x10^-6 cm/s.

Which is clearly a way down from the correct value. Could anyone please help me?

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
LukasMont said:
Fc=v²/r
Is the electron mass 1 g? Always write out the units!
 
  • #3
Also your last calculation step is wrong. v = (11.5x10-12)1/2 which is not 11.5x10-6. But see also Orodruin's comment.
 

What is the speed of an electron?

The speed of an electron can vary depending on its energy level and environment, but on average, it moves at a speed of around 2,200 kilometers per second.

How is the speed of an electron measured?

The speed of an electron can be measured using various experimental techniques, such as the drift velocity method or the time-of-flight method. These methods involve applying an electric field to the electron and measuring its resulting speed.

Can the speed of an electron exceed the speed of light?

No, according to Einstein's theory of relativity, the speed of light is the ultimate speed limit in the universe. Therefore, the speed of an electron, or any other object with mass, cannot exceed the speed of light.

Does the speed of an electron affect its behavior?

Yes, the speed of an electron is directly related to its energy and can impact its behavior. For example, electrons with higher speeds have more kinetic energy and can cause more damage when they collide with other particles.

How does the speed of an electron in an atom differ from its speed in a wire?

The speed of an electron in an atom is much slower than its speed in a wire. In an atom, electrons move in specific energy levels, while in a wire, they move freely and at much higher speeds due to the influence of an applied electric field.

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