Calculating Electric Force in Bohr Model of Hydrogen Atom

Click For Summary
In the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, the electric force between the proton and electron in the n = 1 state can be calculated using Coulomb's law, F = kq1q2/r^2. The user initially confused energy with force, calculating the energy as -13.6 eV instead of the required force in Newtons. To find the force, the radius for the n = 1 state, known as Bohr's radius, should be used as the distance in the formula. Clarification was provided that energy and force are distinct concepts, leading to the correct approach for the calculation. Understanding the difference between energy and force is crucial for solving such problems accurately.
JDiorio
Messages
25
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


In the Bohr model of a hydrogen atom, what is the magnitude of the electric force exerted between the proton and the electron when the electron is in the n = 1 state?


Homework Equations


E= - 13.6 eV/ n^2


The Attempt at a Solution



I simply plugged in the value for n and got an answer of -13.6 eV. I do not understand why this is incorrect. This is an online homework assignment and asks for the answer in N. Is this where I am making my mistake? Or am I using the wrong formula?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You calculated an energy. The problem asks for a force. Force and energy are different.

What equation have you been given that can be used to calculate the force between two charges?
 
ohh.. so i just use F= kq1q2/r^2

and since it is in the n=1 state, i would use Bohr's radius for r... correct?
 
Yes, that's right.
 
Thank you!..
 
Thread 'Correct statement about size of wire to produce larger extension'

Thread 'Correct statement about size of wire to produce larger extension'

The answer is (B) but I don't really understand why. Based on formula of Young Modulus: $$x=\frac{FL}{AE}$$ The second wire made of the same material so it means they have same Young Modulus. Larger extension means larger value of ##x## so to get larger value of ##x## we can increase ##F## and ##L## and decrease ##A## I am not sure whether there is change in ##F## for first and second wire so I will just assume ##F## does not change. It leaves (B) and (C) as possible options so why is (C)...
View full post »

Similar threads

Bohr Model - Absorbing a Photon with Enough Energy to Ionize the Atom
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Rutherford model of atom and Bohr model
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
The Total Energy of the Hydrogen Atom's Electron
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Energy of Li2+ atom according to Bohr's model
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Total energy of hydrogen at ground state
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Why Is the Calculated Wavelength Incorrect in This Hydrogen Atom Problem?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Energy transition (bohrs model)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
What is the Orbit of Hydrogen Atom for an Electron at 734 km/s?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Ionization Energy of Helium Atom | 24.6 eV
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Determine energy levels of a electron in a hydrogen atom
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K