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

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
1 reply · 8K views
Soaring Crane
Messages
461
Reaction score
0

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.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
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;

[tex]E_{T} =- \frac{e^2}{8\pi\epsilon_0r}[/tex]

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: