Hydrogen atom obeying classical mechanics rather than quantum mechanics

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The discussion revolves around a hypothetical scenario where the electron in a hydrogen atom is considered to obey classical mechanics instead of quantum mechanics. Participants are exploring the implications of this assumption on the emission spectrum of the atom, specifically why it would emit a continuous spectrum rather than the observed line spectrum.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Exploratory

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the relationship between classical electromagnetism and the behavior of an electron in a hydrogen atom. There are discussions about the nature of the electron's motion and its energy emission characteristics in a classical context. Some participants are also seeking to clarify the relevance of the course level to the complexity of the question.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and exploring various aspects of the problem. Some have suggested considering the consequences of accelerating charges and the types of motion involved, while others have noted the need for a deeper understanding of classical mechanics and electromagnetism to address the question effectively.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that the question may originate from a specific textbook, which could influence the expected level of understanding. Participants have expressed uncertainty about the appropriateness of the question for the stated course level, suggesting a potential mismatch between the complexity of the topic and the course expectations.

jessiepink
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Suppose that the electron in the hydrogen atom obeyed classical mechanics rather than quantum mechanics. Why should such a hypothetical atom emit a continuous spectrum rather than the observed line spectrum?

So far I have: quantum mechanics deals with the smallest possible piece of a system. The behaviors of such pieces will be different than the behaviors of a system at whole. The atom will not emit a line spectrum b/c it will not be moving like a light wave/particle.
 
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I think that you need to understand classical electromagnetism to answer this question, and it should probably be in the advanced physics forum. What course is this for? And at what level?
 
The class is Intro to Physics 2.
 
jessiepink said:
The class is Intro to Physics 2.
I don't know why you are expected to be able to address this question, then.

The only hints that I can think of are:
What is the electromagnetic consequence of accelerating charge?
What kind of motion does the electron in a classical hydrogen atom execute?
What happens to the motion of an orbiting object when it loses energy?

These hints are given in no particular order, and, in fact, they are iterative.
 
This question looks to be from Modern Physics (3rd edition) by Serway, Moses and Moyer, chapter 4 Q2 (as it is the same word for word). So I will answer to an according level of physics.

In classical mechanics the e- is not restricted to being in atomic levels, ie. it can be at any distance in orbit in relation to the nucleus. If the e- moves closer to the nucleus it will do so gradually and therefore emit energy continuously at varying degrees. This will cause the continuous spectrum talked about in the question.

In quantum mechanics the e- is restricted to being certain distances from the nucleus known as atomic levels (or shells). When an e- moves down quantum levels towards the nucleus it will emit energy instantaneously. This means that the energy is emitted in one "packet" or quantum of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) which shows as individual lines in the spectrum. Where these lines are in the spectrum is characteristic of the type of atom that is emitting the EMR.
 
how do we get to the equation power= -2/3*e2*a2/c3 (two thirds*e squared*a squared all divided by c cubed
e is electron charge
a acceleration , equal to v squared for velocity over r for radius
 
how do we get to the equation power= -2/3*e2*a2/c3 (two thirds*e squared*a squared all divided by c cubed
e is electron charge
a acceleration , equal to v squared for velocity over r for radius
 

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