Orbital Frequency of an electron in a hydrogen atom

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the orbital frequency of an electron in a hydrogen atom, specifically with a radius of 0.053 nm. The correct approach involves determining the orbital period by dividing the circumference of the orbit by the electron's velocity, rather than using the frequency equation for light waves. The final calculation yields an orbital frequency of approximately 900 THz, which was initially miscalculated. The key takeaway is that the orbital frequency is the reciprocal of the orbital period, derived from the electron's velocity and the circumference of its orbit.

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  • Understanding of classical mechanics, specifically circular motion
  • Familiarity with fundamental physics equations, including F = qE and momentum calculations
  • Knowledge of Planck's constant and its application in quantum mechanics
  • Basic concepts of electric current and charge in physics
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  • Study the derivation of the orbital period for circular motion in classical mechanics
  • Learn about the relationship between velocity, radius, and frequency in orbital systems
  • Explore the implications of electron behavior in quantum mechanics, particularly in hydrogen atoms
  • Investigate the significance of Planck's constant in both classical and quantum physics
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RichardEpic
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Homework Statement



In a classical model of the hydrogen atom, the electron moves around the proton in a circular orbit of radius 0.053 nm.

What is the electron's orbital frequency?

What is the effective current of the electron?


Homework Equations



Freq * Wavelength = Speed of light
(V*lambda = c)

Lambda = (plancks constant)/momentum

momentum = (mass of electron)*(Velocity)

F = qE = m(v^2)/R

current...I = q*ie...(charge of electron)*(electron current)

number of electrons...Ne = ie*delta_t...(electron current)*(period I presume)

Ne = 1

The Attempt at a Solution



Mass of electron = 9.1094*10^-31 kg
qe- = -1.6*10^-19 coulombs
radius = 0.053*10^-9 m

...utlizing this information I found the velocity from the Force equation, deriving:
sqrt(K(q^2)/(r*me-) = v

Then plugged in velocity into the equation: lambda = h/(mv)

Plugged lambda into: V = c/lambda

...finding my frequency to be about 900*10^15 Hz...but this was wrong. Help would be extremely appreciated!
 
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RichardEpic said:
Freq * Wavelength = Speed of light
(V*lambda = c)

This is the equation for the frequency of a light wave, which is not really relevant here.

The question is asking you for the orbital frequency of the electron i.e. how often does a full cycle (orbit) repeat?

Well, the orbital frequency is just the reciprocal of the orbital period. How do you figure out the orbital period? It's as simple as remembering that distance = speed*time. What distance is covered by the electron in one orbit?
 
ohhh...well, I overthunk it. Lol! So, take the velocity I found, and divide it into the circumference: (2*pi*r)/v = seconds...in other words the period. THANKS! It worked!
 

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