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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the energy levels of a hydrogen atom when the electron is replaced by a positron. Participants explore the implications of this substitution on the energy state of the system, particularly whether it remains bound or becomes a continuum state.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the energy level of a hydrogen atom is given by the formula Eh = -13.6 eV / n^2 and questions what happens when the electron is replaced by a positron, suggesting that the resulting system would not be in a bound state.
  • Another participant acknowledges that the hydrogen atom has a continuous spectrum for E >= 0, asking for a mathematical proof of the initial conclusion regarding the positron.
  • A third participant agrees with the initial claim that the positron cannot form a stable structure with the positively charged nucleus.
  • A fourth participant challenges the validity of the speculation regarding the positron's interaction with the nucleus, suggesting that such ideas do not make sense.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus among participants. Some agree with the notion that a positron cannot form a stable structure with the nucleus, while others question the implications of this substitution on the energy levels and the nature of the state.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of the positron's interaction with the nucleus and the definitions of bound versus continuum states, which remain unresolved.

kyva1929
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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?
 
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<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 ?
 


You are right.
 


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

Such speculations make no sense at all.
 

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