How Do You Calculate Magnetic Energy Density at an Atom's Center?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the magnetic energy density at the center of an atom due to an orbiting electron, one must first determine the magnetic field (B) at that point. This involves calculating the speed of the electron as it orbits the nucleus, treating it as a current loop with known parameters. The use of Ampere's law is not applicable here because the magnetic field around the loop is not constant, making it impossible to simplify the calculations as initially attempted. Instead, applying the Biot-Savart law is recommended to accurately find the magnetic field at the nucleus. Ultimately, the magnetic energy density can then be calculated using the appropriate formula.
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Homework Statement


In an atom: suppose one electron orbits the n proton nucleus at radius r . Find the magnetic energy density, in J/m3, at the center of the atom due to the motion of this electron.

NOTE: You can ignore the effect of other electrons in this atom.

Homework Equations


u=B^2/2*u_o
= (N*u_o*I)^2 /2u_o
or=N*(u_o*I)^2 /2u_o

The Attempt at a Solution


1)
Is the number of protons can be treat as the number of turns of the magnetic field, should I plug N inside the parentheses

2)
Since qvB=IBL and I get I=qv/L, and then I use mv^2/r = kqq/r^2 to get the expression of v and plug it in qv/L and finally plug the expression of I in the (N*u_o*I)^2 /2u_o.
Am I on the right track or it is completely wrong?
 
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I am not sure what you were trying to do. Looks like you are trying to use Ampere's law but this is not applicable here.
I suggest:
1. find B at the center of the atom. This involves finding the speed of the rotating electron as it circles around the N-proton nucleus. You now have a curren loop of known parameters (i and r) centered on the nucleus.
2. Use Biot-Savart (or your textbook, probably) to determine B at the nucleus.
3. Use your formula for energy density.
 
rude man said:
I am not sure what you were trying to do. Looks like you are trying to use Ampere's law but this is not applicable here.
I suggest:
1. find B at the center of the atom. This involves finding the speed of the rotating electron as it circles around the N-proton nucleus. You now have a curren loop of known parameters (i and r) centered on the nucleus.
2. Use Biot-Savart (or your textbook, probably) to determine B at the nucleus.
3. Use your formula for energy density.

Thank you for the reply. And Yes, I was trying to use Ampere's law. But why it is not applicable here? I though electron is moving in a circular path, so it supposes to be symmetrical? And when you said "You now have a current loop of known parameters (i and r) centered on the nucleus", how do I know the current?
 
While Ampere's law is valid for any closed path pierced by the loop, the B field around it is not at all constant, so you cannot say that ∫B dl = B 2πr even though ∫B dl = μi is correct. So you can't evaluate B at any point around your path. Also, why did you include N in the Ampere formula?

Figure out what the speed of the orbiting electron is around the loop. Then i = dq/dt at any point on the electron's orbit.
 
can someone show work for this problem please
 
rude man said:
While Ampere's law is valid for any closed path pierced by the loop, the B field around it is not at all constant, so you cannot say that ∫B dl = B 2πr even though ∫B dl = μi is correct. So you can't evaluate B at any point around your path. Also, why did you include N in the Ampere formula?

Figure out what the speed of the orbiting electron is around the loop. Then i = dq/dt at any point on the electron's orbit.
can u please show work ?
 
kerlos said:
can u please show work ?
No, as The Prisoner (old TV show) was told, "That would be telling".
 
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