How many orbits are in the hydrogen atom?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of orbits in the hydrogen atom, specifically questioning the nature of electron states and energy levels. Participants explore the distinction between classical orbits and quantum states, addressing the formulation of the original question.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that there are no classical orbits in the hydrogen atom, challenging the premise of the original question.
  • Others propose that if the question pertains to energy levels or orbitals, the answer could be infinite, as there is no upper limit to the principal quantum number n.
  • A participant clarifies that a stable hydrogen atom has its electron in a single state (the ground state: n = 1, l = 0) and emphasizes that electrons do not orbit in a classical sense.
  • Another participant distinguishes between the number of possible energy states (infinite) and the number of occupied states in a neutral hydrogen atom (one in the ground state).
  • There is a suggestion that the original question may be vague, indicating a learning process about both physics and the forum's discussion dynamics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretation of "orbits," with multiple competing views on the nature of electron states in the hydrogen atom remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the original question's formulation and the dependence on definitions of orbits versus energy states.

LSMOG
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How many orbits are in the hydrogen atom?
 
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LSMOG said:
How many orbits are in the hydrogen atom?
As @dextercioby pointed out, the question is at best not correctly formulated.

If you are asking how many energy levels, or orbitals, there are in a hydrogen atom, then the answer is infinity. There is no upper bound to the principle quantum number n.
 
A stable hydrogen atom has its electron in only one state -- its ground state: n = 1, l = 0. The quantum number l is the quantum equivalent of the classical idea of the angular momentum of an orbiting electron. Electrons do not "orbit" in that classical sense.
 
LSMOG said:
How many orbits are in the hydrogen atom?

If you are asking for how many possible energy states that are available for a hydrogen atom, then the answer is "infinite".

If you are asking for how many energy states that are occupied by a neutral hydrogen atom in its ground state, then the answer is "one".

If you realize, after reading this far down the thread, that your question is rather vague, then you're starting to learn not only about physics, but also a bit on how this forum works.

Zz.
 

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