Electric Field Inside a Hydrogen Atom

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the electric field inside a hydrogen atom, specifically focusing on the charge distribution of the electron and the proton. The problem involves calculating the total charge enclosed within a sphere of radius r centered on the proton, considering the electron's charge density as a function of distance from the proton.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration of charge density to find the enclosed charge and question the implications of the electron's charge distribution. Some explore the concept of charge cancellation within a uniformly charged sphere.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering different perspectives on how to approach the problem. There is an exploration of integrating charge density and considerations regarding the behavior of charge within and outside the electron's position.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of charge distribution and the assumptions regarding the electron's position relative to the proton. The problem is framed within the context of a homework assignment, which may impose specific constraints on the methods used.

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Homework Statement


A hydrogen atom is made up of a proton of charge + Q=1.60 \times 10^{ - 19}\; {\rm C} and an electron of charge - Q= - 1.60 \times 10^{ - 19}\; {\rm C}. The proton may be regarded as a point charge at r=0, the center of the atom. The motion of the electron causes its charge to be "smeared out" into a spherical distribution around the proton, so that the electron is equivalent to a charge per unit volume of \rho (r)= - {\frac{Q}{ \pi a_{0} ^{3}}} e^{ - 2r/a_{0}} where a_0=5.29 \times 10^{ - 11} {\rm m} is called the Bohr radius

Find the total amount of the hydrogen atom's charge that is enclosed within a sphere with radius r centered on the proton.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



do I just try and divide out the volume.
 
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Well one can presumably just integrate charge density from 0 to r to get charge enclosed.
 
Here's my guess:
between the proton and the electron, the electron's charge cancels out, since there is no charge inside a uniformly charged sphere. So if r is less than the electron's distance than charge = +Q. If r is greater than the electron's distance, outside a uniformly charged sphere, the sphere can be treated as a point mass at the center of the sphere. So outside the electron's position charge = +Q-Q = 0.
 
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