Hydrogen 21 cm line time?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter jv11
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of electron speed within a hydrogen atom's cloud using the 21 cm hydrogen line and the Bohr model. The calculation presented, Ve=C/t, yields a speed of 9.7 x 10^-25 m/s, which is deemed nonsensical by experts. The conversation highlights that the Bohr model is outdated and inadequate for describing electron behavior, emphasizing that discussing the speed of a bound electron is misleading. Ultimately, the thread concludes that the premise is based on misconceptions and is therefore closed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts, particularly electron spin
  • Knowledge of the 21 cm hydrogen line and its significance in astrophysics
  • Basic grasp of atomic structure and electron behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Research quantum mechanics and the limitations of the Bohr model
  • Learn about the hyperfine structure of hydrogen and its implications
  • Study the significance of the 21 cm line in cosmology and astrophysics
  • Explore modern quantum models that describe electron behavior more accurately
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and students of quantum mechanics seeking to understand the complexities of atomic behavior and the implications of the 21 cm hydrogen line in scientific research.

jv11
Messages
12
Reaction score
4
TL;DR
Hydrogen line 21 cm happens every 10 milion years .
For Bohr radius circumference and this time
Does formula S/t=v
Applies for this ?
I think this is silly question ,
But I need second opinion about it.
From time t=0.34x10^15 sec(21 cm hydrogen time )
And C=33.22x10^-11 ( Bohr radius circumference)

Would the speed of electron inside the hydrogen cloud be calculated :

Ve=C/t
Ve=33.22x10^-11/0.34x10^15
Ve=9.7x 10^-25m/s

Tx
 
Physics news on Phys.org
jv11 said:
Hydrogen line 21 cm happens every 10 milion years .
What does this statement even mean?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
jv11 said:
Would the speed of electron inside the hydrogen cloud....
What do you mean by "the hydrogen cloud"?

But no matter what you mean by that, it makes no sense to talk about the speed of a bound electron. It may be possible to apply the notion of speed to a free electron, but nearly always momentum is more useful/informative.
 
Hi
HYPERFINE structure of hydrogen happens when electron spin inside the cloud changes direction (to protons spin).
It happens in f=2.9x10^-15 1/sec
Or t‎ = 0.34x10^15
The 21cm line is produced by a change in the direction of the electron's spin within this ground state.
The lowest possible energy level for an electron in a hydrogen atom is -13.6 eV, which corresponds to the ground state (n=1) in the Bohr model). At this energy level, the electron is closest to the proton, and its distance is described by the Bohr radius (approximately 0.53 x 10^-10 meters).
From average Bohr radius circumference and time t
We can calculate the speed of electron at Rb.
Ve=C/t
Ve=33.22x10^-11/0.34x10^15
Ve=9.7x10^-25m/s
If there is 9.7 x10^25 hydrogen atoms in close vicinity,every second
21 cm like will be emitted.
From this we can conclude that 1 electron inside the cloud travels the same time t=0.34x10^15s.
 
Does this make any sense to experts ?
 
jv11 said:
Does this make any sense to experts ?
No. I am sorry to say that it is complete nonsense.
The Bohr was abandoned long ago because it does not adequately describe electrons and cannot be used to develop further understanding of their behaviors. It makes no sense to talk about the speed or position of a bound electron.

As this thread is based on a misconception it is closed.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K