Calculating Energy of Shortest Wavelength Photon in Hydrogen Atom

  • Thread starter Thread starter UrbanXrisis
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Energy Proton
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the energy of the shortest wavelength photon emitted by a hydrogen atom using the formula \(\frac{1}{\lambda}=R[\frac{1}{n_1^2}-\frac{1}{n_2^2}]\). The wavelength calculated is 91.12667 nm, resulting in an energy of 13.605698 eV, which is confirmed as correct. The conversation also clarifies that, according to the Bohr model, as the radius of an electron's orbit increases, the total energy becomes less negative, indicating an increase in total energy, while the kinetic energy decreases.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom
  • Familiarity with the Rydberg formula for spectral lines
  • Knowledge of energy quantization in atomic systems
  • Basic concepts of photon energy calculations using E=hc/λ
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Bohr model limitations in modern quantum mechanics
  • Explore the Rydberg constant and its applications in spectroscopy
  • Learn about the quantum mechanical model of the hydrogen atom
  • Investigate the relationship between wavelength and energy in electromagnetic radiation
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying atomic structure, quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy, as well as educators and researchers interested in the hydrogen atom's properties.

UrbanXrisis
Messages
1,192
Reaction score
1
as the radius of an electron orbit increases, the total energy of the electron decreases because of the relationship: [tex]E=\frac{-Z^2E_o}{n^2}[/tex] right? does this means that the electron's kinetic energy would also decreas too?

if I was asked to find the energy of the shortest wavelength photon that can be emitted by a hydrogen atom, I would use:

[tex]\frac{1}{\lambda}=R[\frac{1}{n_1^2}-\frac{1}{n_2^2}][/tex]
[tex]\frac{1}{\lambda}=1.0973731x10^7[\frac{1}{1}-\frac{1}{infinity}][/tex]
[tex]\lambda=91.12667nm[/tex]

so E=hc/91.12667nm=13.605698eV

is this correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
UrbanXrisis said:
as the radius of an electron orbit increases, the total energy of the electron decreases because of the relationship: [tex]E=\frac{-Z^2E_o}{n^2}[/tex] right? does this means that the electron's kinetic energy would also decreas too?

Are you using the Bohr model? If so, keep in mind that it's a classical approximation, not a correct model of the atom. Within the context of the model, however, you first statement isn't quite right. As you move to larger radius (larger n), the total energy becomes less negative -- that is, increases. The kinetic energy does, however, decrease.

so E=hc/91.12667nm=13.605698eV

That's correct. This is also known as the "ground state energy" of hydrogen.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
4K