Is it possible to find the energy level of a hydrogen atom in this way?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the methods for determining the energy levels of a hydrogen atom, specifically comparing a proposed model to Bohr's model. The scope includes theoretical considerations and the limitations of classical concepts in explaining quantum behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the proposed method is similar to Bohr's model but does not utilize the balance of forces, suggesting that it may still yield comparable results for energy levels.
  • Others emphasize that the model is limited and rooted in classical physics, arguing that it fails to account for the wave-like nature of electrons as described by quantum mechanics.
  • There is a repeated suggestion to use PF LaTeX features for posting mathematical expressions, indicating a preference for clarity in technical communication.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity and completeness of the proposed model compared to Bohr's, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the classical assumptions in the proposed model and the potential inadequacy in capturing quantum mechanical behavior.

hongseok
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TL;DR
Is it possible to find the energy level of a hydrogen atom in this way?
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This is similar to Bohr's model, except that you are not using the balance of force (centrifugal force cancelling the Coulomb attraction). I haven't looked at the calculation in detail, but it would make sense that plugging in experimental values for the transitions, you would recover the same values of ##r## as in the Bohr model.
 
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As @DrClaude say, it is similar to the Bohr's procedure and confinement of an integer number of wavelengths on the circular trajectory of radius r. But, remember: this model is limited and based on classical concepts. It doesn't reflect the complete wave-like features of the electron confined by the nucleus potential energy.
 
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@hongseok posts should not be images. Please use the PF LaTeX features to post math expressions and equations directly. There is a LaTeX Guide link at the bottom left of the post window.
 
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DrClaude said:
This is similar to Bohr's model, except that it does not use a force balance (centrifugal force canceling out the Coulomb attraction). I haven't looked at the calculations in detail, but it seems reasonable that if we plug in the experimental values for the transition, we can recover the same values as in the Bohr model.
PeterDonis said:
@hongseok posts should not be images. Please use the PF LaTeX features to post math expressions and equations directly. There is a LaTeX Guide link at the bottom left of the post window.
I see
 
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