LC Model of an Atom: Exploring Inductance & Capacitance

In summary, the model could work for different atoms just changing a few parameters, but it is too complicated to be useful for predicting complicated behaviors of (heavy?) atoms.
  • #1
waht
1,501
4
I know quantum mechanics describies a hydrogen atom in great detail. I'm wondering if there exists another model using the concepts of inductance and capacitance.

Obvioulsy there could exist a capacitance between a proton and an electron and inductance of the electron in the electron cloud.

So the frequencies emmited by the atom are simply different resonances of LC

[tex] \omega = \frac{{1}}{\sqrt LC } [/tex]

I know this is unnessesary or even inadequte, but since everything from radio wave to microwaves is modeled by LC, so just a thought.
 
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  • #2
The failure of classical models, especially simple models, to explain atomic behavior such as spectral lines, heat capacity, chemical bonds and the periodic table were a powerful impetus to develop quantum theory. Unfortunately, not "everything" can be modeled by L's and C's...
 
  • #3
waht said:
I know [current mainstream physics] describies [something] in great detail. I'm wondering if there exists another model using [different concepts]

If you're going to do this today, the obvious approach is to first take the equations describing the thing your interested in (derived using mainstream technique), break them down into the mathematical constituents (sine functions, square roots, pi, other constants, etc), then choose your favourite set of concepts to apply (maybe relate every sinusoid to a pendulum.. or an LC circuit) and try to draw what the equation describes in terms of your choice of concepts. Finally, come up with a more creative rationale for drawing that picture as your starting point, and exclaim that it produces the exact same result as previous theories! ..but on the other hand, if it sounds kind of complex and arbitrary, and doesn't give any insight into other problems, ... what was the point of this again?
 
  • #4
cesiumfrog said:
If you're going to do this today, the obvious approach is to first take the equations describing the thing your interested in (derived using mainstream technique), break them down into the mathematical constituents (sine functions, square roots, pi, other constants, etc), then choose your favourite set of concepts to apply (maybe relate every sinusoid to a pendulum.. or an LC circuit) and try to draw what the equation describes in terms of your choice of concepts. Finally, come up with a more creative rationale for drawing that picture as your starting point, and exclaim that it produces the exact same result as previous theories! ..but on the other hand, if it sounds kind of complex and arbitrary, and doesn't give any insight into other problems, ... what was the point of this again?
If the model would work well for different atoms just changing a few parameters, it could be used to predict complicated behaviours of (heavy?) atoms, which are still too difficult to solve with QM; or, from that model, it could also be explored the way two atoms interact...
I think it wouldn't be such a meaningless idea, if the model weren't too complicated.
 

1. What is the LC model of an atom?

The LC model of an atom is a simplified representation of an atom's electronic structure, where the electrons are treated as a charge oscillating back and forth between an inductor (representing the nucleus) and a capacitor (representing the electron cloud).

2. How does the LC model explain inductance and capacitance?

The LC model explains inductance as the tendency of an electron to resist changes in its motion due to the electromagnetic field of the nucleus. It also explains capacitance as the ability of the electron to store energy in its oscillations between the nucleus and electron cloud.

3. What is the significance of the LC model in understanding atomic behavior?

The LC model helps us understand how electrons behave within an atom and how they interact with the nucleus. It also provides a framework for understanding the relationship between inductance and capacitance within an atom.

4. How does the LC model relate to other models of the atom?

The LC model is a simplified version of the more complex quantum mechanical model of the atom. However, it is still useful for explaining certain properties of atoms, such as their electronic structure and energy levels.

5. Are there any limitations to the LC model of an atom?

Yes, the LC model is a simplified model and does not fully capture the complexities of an atom's electronic structure. It also does not take into account the effects of spin and the Pauli exclusion principle, which are important in understanding the behavior of electrons in atoms.

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