Calculate Potential Energy of Electron in Bohr Model

In summary, to calculate the potential energy of an electron when moving it from infinity to a distance r, we can use the formula e*ΔU, where e is the electric charge and ΔU is the difference in potential. The Coulomb potential for an atom can also be used, with the understanding that the potential is set to zero at infinity. It may be helpful to have a background in classical electromagnetism for a better understanding of this concept.
  • #1
roshan2004
140
0
How can I calculate the potential energy of the electron when we bring it from the infinity to the distance r?
 
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  • #2
-Use the fact that energy-gain when an electron moves from a to b is given by [tex]e*\Delta U[/tex]. (e = electric charge, [tex]\Delta V[/tex] = difference in potential).
-Use the Coulomb potential for an atom.
-Use the fact that the potential is set to zero at infinity.

Good luck :)
 
  • #4
So we have to take the integral from infinity to "r" of what?
 
  • #5
roshan2004 said:
So we have to take the integral from infinity to "r" of what?

Have you had classical E&M? I thought such course is a prerequisite for a modern physics/QM class?

Zz.
 
  • #6
I am pretty confused on it.
 

1. How is potential energy of an electron calculated in the Bohr model?

In the Bohr model, the potential energy of an electron is calculated using the equation E = -13.6/n^2, where n is the principal quantum number. This equation takes into account the distance of the electron from the nucleus and the attractive force between them.

2. What is the significance of the negative sign in the potential energy equation for the Bohr model?

The negative sign in the potential energy equation for the Bohr model indicates that the potential energy of the electron is lower when it is closer to the nucleus. This makes intuitive sense, as the electron is more stable and less likely to move away from the nucleus when it is closer to it.

3. How does the potential energy of an electron change as it moves to different energy levels in the Bohr model?

In the Bohr model, the potential energy of an electron decreases as it moves to lower energy levels. This is because as the electron moves closer to the nucleus, the attractive force between them increases, resulting in a lower potential energy.

4. Can the potential energy of an electron in the Bohr model be zero?

According to the Bohr model, the potential energy of an electron can never be zero. This is because the electron is always attracted to the positively charged nucleus, and therefore will always have some amount of potential energy.

5. Why is the potential energy of an electron in the Bohr model quantized?

The potential energy of an electron in the Bohr model is quantized because the electron can only occupy specific energy levels, which are represented by the principal quantum number, n. This is in accordance with the quantization of energy in quantum mechanics.

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