Estimate the E-field required to ionize Hydrogen

[Poirot]

Homework Statement

Estimate the E-field required to ionize Hydrogen in a time comparable to the time taken for the electron to orbit the nucleus. (n=1 ground state) (hint: relate the required E field to the energy of a charged particle)

Homework Equations

F = mv^2/r (rotational)
F = Ze^2/Kr^2 (Coulombic)
F = eE (Lorentz)
W = F.s ?

The Attempt at a Solution

I have calculated the time it takes for the electron to orbit the nucleus
T = 1.52 x 10^-16 secs
using the rotational force and then solving for v and plugging it in T=2pi r/v with r being Bohr radius.

I'm just not sure what else to do? I can get an estimate just just equating the forces and solving for E but that doesn't take into account the time which is specifically asked for?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DrClaude]

For what course is this? Electromagnetism or quantum mechanics?

You would need an equation for ionization that includes time.