Energy level of hydrogen atom - with the electron replaced by a positron

[kyva1929]

Energy level of hydrogen atom -- with the electron replaced by a positron

The energy level of a hydrogen atom is given by (without fine structure consideration)

Eh = -13.6 eV / n^2

Suppose -- if the electron is replaced by a positron, what would happen to this energy level?

The resulting system is not in a bound state since E > 0 (V(infinity) = 0) but a continuum state (or scattering state?), which implies no discrete energy level exist -- am I right?

 

[dextercioby]

<The energy level of a hydrogen atom is given by (without fine structure consideration)

Eh = -13.6 eV / n^2>

This is only the discrete part of the spectrum. H-atom has a continuous spectrum as well, for E>=0.

Can you prove your conclusion mathematically ?

 

[Meir Achuz]

You are right.

 

[xts]

Cm'n - the positron cannot form any stable structure with positively charged nucleus.

Such speculations make no sense at all.