Acceleration of electron in hydrogen atom

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the acceleration of an electron in a hydrogen atom, derived from the electric force acting on it, which is calculated to be 8.2 × 10-8 N. The resulting acceleration magnitude is computed as 9 × 1022 m/s2 by dividing the force by the mass of the electron (9.1 × 10-31 kg). Participants express skepticism about the validity of these calculations, highlighting the limitations of classical mechanics in accurately describing atomic behavior and advocating for a quantum mechanical approach instead.

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  • Understanding of classical mechanics, specifically Newton's second law.
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic fields and forces.
  • Basic knowledge of atomic structure, particularly the hydrogen atom.
  • Awareness of quantum mechanics principles and their relevance to atomic models.
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  • Study the principles of quantum mechanics, focusing on the behavior of electrons in atoms.
  • Learn about the limitations of classical mechanics in atomic physics.
  • Explore the concept of centripetal acceleration in the context of atomic orbits.
  • Investigate the role of electromagnetic fields in atomic interactions.
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Students of physics, educators teaching atomic theory, and researchers interested in the transition from classical to quantum mechanics in atomic models.

ocohen
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Hello,
I am currently reading about electromagnetic fields:

In one of the examples in the textbook we calculate the electric field of a hydrogen proton. We then compute the electric force acting on the orbiting electron to be

8.2 \times 10^{-8} N

So I thought I could get the acceleration magnitude from this by dividing by the mass of an electron.

\frac{ 8.2 \times 10^{-8} N }{9.1 \times 10^{-31} kg} = 9 \times 10 ^{22} \frac{m}{s^2}

It seems like this is too fast due to speed of light. I'm assuming that the fact that the electron is orbiting somehow allows for this. Are my calculations correct? Any info would be appreciated.
 
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What the [...censored out...] is that textbook? It should be withdrawn immediately.
It really makes no sense to use such terms like "electric force between electron and nucleus" and even less "electron centriprocal acceleration".
Or, maybe, the example had been given to show by reductio at absurdum the inapplicability of mechanistical model of atom?
 
ocohen said:
It seems like this is too fast due to speed of light.
Acceleration is not speed. Of course you can use this to calculate the classical, non-relativistic speed. (But this sort of semi-classical model must be ditched for a more complete quantum mechanical treatment anyway.)
 

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