Bohr's Hydrogen Model: Does Electron Absorb All Energy?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter nuuskur
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Hydrogen Model
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on Bohr's model of the hydrogen atom, specifically addressing whether an electron absorbs all the energy from light of a given frequency. The scope includes theoretical implications and historical context of the model.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that if an electron absorbs light of frequency ##f##, its energy increases to ##E + hf##, suggesting it absorbs all the energy.
  • Another participant agrees with the assertion that the electron absorbs all energy.
  • A different participant notes that Bohr's model is primarily of historical interest and highlights that contradictions and problems in understanding may arise, which contributed to the development of modern quantum mechanics.
  • One participant expresses a lack of knowledge in quantum mechanics and indicates reliance on Bohr's model for understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the completeness of Bohr's model; while some participants agree on the energy absorption aspect, others emphasize the model's historical limitations and the existence of contradictions.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that Bohr's model may not fully represent the complexities of quantum mechanics, and some express uncertainty regarding the implications of energy absorption.

nuuskur
Science Advisor
Messages
929
Reaction score
1,226
Provided the electron absorbs light of frequency ##f##, if the electron's initial energy was ##E##, is the energy now ##E + hf##? In other words, does it absorb all of that energy?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes.It absorbs all energy
 
Do remember, however, that Bohr's model of the hydrogen atom is mostly of historical interest - it pointed people in the right direction a century ago, but it is not what's really going on. So if you find contradictions and problems as you think through the implications of RyanH42's (generally correct) answer... That's to be expected, and indeed these difficulties are part of what motivated the physicists of the era to keep on looking, and how we eventually came to first Schrödinger's equation and then the modern understanding of both quantum mechanics and the hydrogen atom.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: bhobba and RyanH42
I don't know QM.So as Nugatory said I considered Bohr Atom Model.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Electromagnetic radiation, photons, quantized energy levels
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Question about the Photoelectric Effect and the Work Function of a Metal
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad How does EM wave geometrical attenuation affect atomic absorption?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Can an atom absorb a photon, yet its total kinetic energy is decreased?
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
6K
High School Question about energy needed by electron to change energy levels
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad General solution of the hydrogen atom Schrödinger equation
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Undergrad QED question: Photons absorbed and emitted by electrons
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
Undergrad Emission Spectrum & Energy: Exciting Hydrogen Vapor
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad Is the magnetic moment of a hydrogen atom not equal to Bohr's magneton?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
High School Can photons of visible light lose energy and become sub-visible?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K