Centripital acceleration (electron movement)

In summary, in the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, the speed of the electron is approximately 2.20x10^6 m/s. To find the force acting on the electron as it revolves in a circular orbit of radius 0.530x10^-10, we can use the equation \sum F= ma= m(v^2/r). This gives us a force of 8.32x10^-8 N. The centripetal acceleration of the electron is 9.13x10^22 m/s^2. There is no x or y component of the force, as it is directed towards the center of motion.
  • #1
~christina~
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Homework Statement


In bohr model of H atom, speed of electron/ e- is aproximately 2.20x10^6 m/s

a) find force acting on e- as it revolves in a circular orbit of radius 0.530x10^-10

b) the centripital acceleration of the e-


Homework Equations


[tex]\sum F= ma= m(v^2/r)[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



Well I'm not sure if I'm going in the right direction ...

does the electron have a x and y component of force?

a) m e-= 9.109x10^-31 kg

[tex]\sum F= ma= m(v^2/r)[/tex]

(9.109x10^-31kg) ( (2.20x10^6)^2/ 0.530x10^-10)= 8.32x10^-8 N

b)
[tex] a_c= v^2/r = 9.13x10^ 22 m/s^2 [/tex]

can someone see if this is alright for me?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
Looks fine. The force is directed toward the centre of motion.
 
  • #3
so there wouldn't be a x /y component of sum of F forces?
 
  • #4
What forces are you thiking about?
 
  • #5
well I was originally thinking that there was a force in a x or y direction however thinking about it if it's moving in a circular motion but the direction is not specified thus it wouldn't matter for this question.

Thanks
 

1. What is centripital acceleration?

Centripital acceleration is the acceleration experienced by an object moving in a circular path. It is always directed towards the center of the circle and its magnitude is determined by the object's speed and the radius of the circle.

2. How does centripital acceleration relate to electron movement?

In the context of electron movement, centripital acceleration refers to the force that keeps electrons in orbit around the nucleus of an atom. This force is provided by the electric attraction between the positively charged nucleus and the negatively charged electrons, and it is what prevents the electrons from flying off in a straight line.

3. What is the formula for calculating centripital acceleration?

The formula for calculating centripital acceleration is a = v^2/r, where a is the acceleration, v is the speed of the object, and r is the radius of the circle. In the case of electron movement, the speed of the electron and the radius of its orbit can be determined using other equations, such as the Bohr model or the Schrödinger equation.

4. How does centripital acceleration affect the behavior of electrons in an atom?

Centripital acceleration is crucial for the stability of an atom. Without it, the electrons would not be able to maintain their orbits and would eventually collide with the nucleus, causing the atom to collapse. The specific value of centripital acceleration for each electron is what determines its energy level and the distance from the nucleus it can orbit.

5. Can centripital acceleration be used to explain other phenomena besides electron movement?

Yes, centripital acceleration is a fundamental concept in physics and can be observed in many other situations, such as the Earth's orbit around the sun, the rotation of a Ferris wheel, or the motion of a pendulum. It is a key component in understanding circular motion and is used in various fields such as astronomy, engineering, and mechanics.

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