Orbital Frequency of an electron in a hydrogen atom

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the orbital frequency of an electron in a hydrogen atom, with a given radius of 0.053 nm. The participant initially attempted to derive the frequency using incorrect equations related to light waves, leading to an erroneous frequency of approximately 900 x 10^15 Hz. Clarification was provided that the orbital frequency is the reciprocal of the orbital period, which can be determined by dividing the circumference of the orbit by the electron's velocity. After realizing the mistake, the participant successfully recalculated the orbital period and frequency. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly applying formulas relevant to orbital motion rather than those for light waves.
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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