How many orbits are in the hydrogen atom?

In summary, there is no set number of orbits in a hydrogen atom as it depends on the context of the question. The number of energy levels or orbitals is infinite, while the number of occupied energy states in the atom's ground state is one. The concept of orbits in the classical sense does not apply to electron movement in atoms.
  • #1
LSMOG
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How many orbits are in the hydrogen atom?
 
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  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
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.
 
  • #5
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.
 

What is the number of orbits in a hydrogen atom?

The number of orbits in a hydrogen atom is one.

How is the number of orbits in a hydrogen atom determined?

The number of orbits in a hydrogen atom is determined by the number of electrons in its outermost energy level, which for hydrogen is one.

Can the number of orbits in a hydrogen atom change?

Yes, the number of orbits in a hydrogen atom can change if the atom absorbs or emits energy, causing the electron to move to a higher or lower energy level respectively.

Are there any exceptions to the number of orbits in a hydrogen atom?

Yes, in rare cases, the number of orbits in a hydrogen atom can be more than one if the atom is ionized or in an excited state.

Why is the number of orbits in a hydrogen atom important?

The number of orbits in a hydrogen atom is important because it helps determine the chemical and physical properties of the atom, as well as its behavior in chemical reactions.

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