An electron in atom that rotate proton, has it radiation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of electrons in atoms, specifically whether they radiate electromagnetic waves when in orbitals, contrasting classical physics (Bohr theory) with quantum mechanics. The scope includes theoretical implications and models of atomic structure.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that in classical physics, if an electron radiated magnetic waves, it would spiral into the proton, leading to instability in the atom.
  • One participant claims that quantum mechanics predicts electrons do not radiate except when changing orbitals, thus maintaining atomic stability.
  • Another participant references a common question in quantum physics, suggesting that stable atoms do not radiate electromagnetic waves as classical physics would suggest.
  • Some participants discuss the limitations of classical mechanics in explaining atomic stability, noting that the apparent stability of non-ground states may stem from not quantizing the electromagnetic field.
  • Spontaneous emission is mentioned as a phenomenon in quantum mechanics that requires consideration of quantum electrodynamics (QED) effects.
  • A participant inquires about better models for atomic systems that could address these questions, indicating a search for improved understanding.
  • Another participant states that the best current model for atomic systems is quantum mechanics combined with quantum electrodynamics, which provides finer corrections.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the radiation of electromagnetic waves by electrons in atoms, with some supporting the idea that stable atoms do not radiate, while others highlight the role of spontaneous emission and the need for a more nuanced understanding involving QED. No consensus is reached on the implications of these points.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in classical models and the necessity of considering quantum effects, but specific assumptions and unresolved mathematical steps are not fully articulated.

stackprogramer
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Hi dears,i have a question about atom,in classic physics ,(Bohr theory) when a electron swing away a proton it have
not radiates magnetic waves because if electron radiates magnetic wave it will drop on proton ,and atom will be Unstable!
my question is ,in quantum mechanics that uses orbitals ,default is a electron radiate magnetic waves or not radiate magnetic waves?
please answer me,thanks very much
 
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Quantum mechanics predicts that the electron will not radiate (except when changing orbitals) so the atom will be stable.
 
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This is one of the most commonly asked questions both in introductory quantum physics and in this very forum, one of our members has made a brief explanation on this issue ,see https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/why-dont-electrons-crash-into-the-nucleus-in-atoms.511179/ , although he may not mention the energy loss due to magnetic waves (well, if a magnetic field follows temporal evolution, it should also radiate electric field wave, and hence electromagnetic wave). In reality, when the atom is stable it will not radiate EM waves as the classical physics will have predicted.
 
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blue_leaf77 said:
This is one of the most commonly asked questions both in introductory quantum physics and in this very forum, one of our members has made a brief explanation on this issue ,see https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/why-dont-electrons-crash-into-the-nucleus-in-atoms.511179/ , although he may not mention the energy loss due to magnetic waves (well, if a magnetic field follows temporal evolution, it should also radiate electric field wave, and hence electromagnetic wave). In reality, when the atom is stable it will not radiate EM waves as the classical physics will have predicted.

Well to be fair, the apparent stability of non-ground states is simply a fault from not quantizing the EM field. The only quantitative disagreement between CM and QM is the existence of the ground state. (and the discrete energy levels, of course)
 
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HomogenousCow said:
the apparent stability of non-ground states is simply a fault from not quantizing the EM field.
Spontaneous emission also exists in QM, although it's more properly treated when taking QED effect into account. When saying "stable" I actually meant the eigenstate of Hamiltonian, but I seemed to have forgotten the spontaneous emission.
 
thanks for your replies,is there a better model for atom is new and justify these question!
 
The best model for atomic system to date is quantum mechanics along with quantum electrodynamics which provides fine corrections.
 
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stackprogramer said:
Hi dears,i have a question about atom,in classic physics ,(Bohr theory) when a electron swing away a proton it have
not radiates magnetic waves because if electron radiates magnetic wave it will drop on proton ,and atom will be Unstable!
my question is ,in quantum mechanics that uses orbitals ,default is a electron radiate magnetic waves or not radiate magnetic waves?
please answer me,thanks very much

Please read this FAQ:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/why-dont-electrons-crash-into-the-nucleus-in-atoms.511179/

Zz.
 
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