Average Total Energies of Isolated Hydrogen Atom's Electron & Proton

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the average total energies of an isolated hydrogen atom's electron and proton. It clarifies that as free particles, they possess kinetic energy dependent on the inertial frame of reference. The ground-state energy of hydrogen is noted as -13.6 eV, which is relevant for stationary, infinitely separated particles. The inquiry specifically seeks the total energy of a stable proton-electron pair in the ground state, including all energy components like kinetic and rest mass. Understanding these energy values is crucial for deeper insights into atomic structure and behavior.
dirtyd33
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I wanted to know the average total energies of an isolated hydrogen atom's electron and proton separately. I came across a lot of equations I could try to use, but I figured I'd ask to see if this information has already been approximated.
Thanks
 
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What do you mean "average total energies"? As free particles, all they have is kinetic energy, which is whatever you want it to be, since it depends on your inertial frame of reference.

The ground-state energy of hydrogen, which is relative two stationary, infinitely separated particles, is -13.6 eV.
 
What I meant was, if there was a single stable proton-electron pair (in a ground state), then what would the total energy of the electron (meaning kinetic, rest mass, magnetic field, etc.) and likewise for the proton.
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
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