How Do You Calculate the Electron's Energy in the Bohr Model?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electron's energy in the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom. Key equations derived include the electron's speed, kinetic energy, and total energy, expressed in terms of fundamental constants such as the electron charge (e), mass (m), and orbit radius (r). The total energy calculation using a radius of 5.29 x 10-11 m results in -2.18 x 10-18 J, which converts to -13.6 eV, confirming the ground state energy of hydrogen.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's law and electric force
  • Knowledge of kinetic and potential energy equations
  • Basic proficiency in unit conversions between joules and electronvolts (eV)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Coulomb's law and its applications in atomic physics
  • Learn about the implications of the Bohr model on atomic structure and spectra
  • Explore advanced quantum mechanics concepts beyond the Bohr model
  • Investigate the historical context and limitations of the Bohr model in modern physics
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Students of physics, educators teaching atomic theory, and anyone interested in the foundational principles of quantum mechanics and atomic energy calculations.

Soaring Crane
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Homework Statement



In the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, a single electron revolves around a single proton in a circle of radius r. Assume that the proton remains at rest.

a. By equating the electric force to the electron mass times its acceleration, derive an expression for the electron's speed. Express your answer in terms of electron`s charge e, its mass m and orbit radius r.
b. Obtain an expression for the electron's kinetic energy.
c. Obtain an expression for the total energy.
d. Calculate the total energy using 5.29*10^-11 m. Give your answer in joules.
e. Give the answer of part (d) in eV.


Homework Equations



See below.

The Attempt at a Solution



a. F = m(v^2/r)

(k*Q^2)/(r^2) = m*(v^2/r)

k*Q^2*r = m*v^2*r^2, where Q = e = 1.60*10^-19 C

v = sqrt[(k*e^2)/(m*r)]??


b. KE = (m*v^2)/2 = 0.5*[(e^2*k)/(r)] = (e^2)/(8*pi*episilon_0*r) ??

c. E_total = KE + PE = [(e^2)/(8*pi*episilon_0*r)] + [(-e^2)/(4*pi*epsilon_0*r)]



d. E_ total = (e^2)/(8*pi*episilon_0*r) + (-e^2)/(4*pi*epsilon_0*r)

= [(e^2)/(4*pi*epsilon_0*r)]*[0.5 – 1]

= (-0.5)*[1.6*10^-19)^2]/[4*pi*epsilon_0*(5.29*10^-11 m)] = -2.18*10^-18 J ?



E. (-2.18*10^-18 J)/(1.602*10^-19 J/eV) = -13.6 eV?

Thanks.
 
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Soaring Crane said:
a. F = m(v^2/r)

(k*Q^2)/(r^2) = m*(v^2/r)

k*Q^2*r = m*v^2*r^2, where Q = e = 1.60*10^-19 C

v = sqrt[(k*e^2)/(m*r)]??
Correct.
Soaring Crane said:
b. KE = (m*v^2)/2 = 0.5*[(e^2*k)/(r)] = (e^2)/(8*pi*episilon_0*r) ??
Correct.
Soaring Crane said:
c. E_total = KE + PE = [(e^2)/(8*pi*episilon_0*r)] + [(-e^2)/(4*pi*epsilon_0*r)]
Correct, although the result can be somewhat simplified;

E_{T} =- \frac{e^2}{8\pi\epsilon_0r}

Soaring Crane said:
d. E_ total = (e^2)/(8*pi*episilon_0*r) + (-e^2)/(4*pi*epsilon_0*r)
= (-0.5)*[1.6*10^-19)^2]/[4*pi*epsilon_0*(5.29*10^-11 m)] = -2.18*10^-18 J ?
I'm not checking your math for you, but assuming you can use a calculator your answer will be correct :wink:
Soaring Crane said:
E. (-2.18*10^-18 J)/(1.602*10^-19 J/eV) = -13.6 eV?
Assuming your answer to (d) was correct, then this answer is also correct and it tallies with the ground state of hydrogen :approve:.

So full marks :smile:
 

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