How do I calculate the radius of bound states for muonic hydrogen?

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SUMMARY

The calculation of the radius of bound states for muonic hydrogen involves using the formula (Me v^2)/r = (e^2)/(4pi(r^2) epsilon) and adjusting for the muon mass, which is approximately 207 times that of the electron. The concept of reduced mass is crucial, as both the muon and proton orbit around their common center of mass, rather than assuming a fixed center. This approach allows for a more accurate estimation of the radius and binding energy of muonic hydrogen compared to traditional hydrogen calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics and orbital motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of reduced mass
  • Knowledge of the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom
  • Basic grasp of quantum mechanics and expectation values
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of reduced mass in two-body systems
  • Study the derivation of the Bohr radius for hydrogenic atoms
  • Explore the binding energy calculations for muonic hydrogen
  • Learn about the implications of muon-electron mass ratios in quantum systems
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those focusing on atomic physics, quantum mechanics, and the behavior of muonic atoms.

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Homework Statement



Hi I'm having difficulty in understanding how to calculate the radius for certain situations.

for example, I have a question that asks me to calculate the radius and binding energy of muonic hydrogen.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


my first instincts were to use and re-arrange the following formula
(Me v^2)/r = (e^2)/(4pi(r^2) epsilon)

re-arranging this to make r the focus and simply multiplying the electron mass by 207 to make it the muon mass.

I don't think this is correct however - seems a bit of a flaky way of doing it.

I do also have equations for the expectation values - which I presume to be the expected values for the location of the muon (and hence possibly the radius), but I'm unsure of how to apply these to the question.

I also have to apply this to other situations other than a straight hydrogen atom, so any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
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For "hydrogenic" atoms, you can look at how the mass of the electron came into the Bohr radius estimation, and replace with the muon...but you might notice that the analysis used the fact that the mass of the electron is much less than the proton's, so the orbital motion could be approximated by a fixed center and an electron in circular motion. Since a muon is a much heavier version of an electron, it is better to describe the muon and proton as orbiting about each other, and you use a "reduced mass".
 

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