Quantum mechanics hydrogen atom

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the quantum mechanics of the hydrogen atom, specifically the energy dynamics between the proton and electron. It is established that the energy of the hydrogen atom is not solely derived from the loss of electrostatic potential energy, as the Schrödinger equation incorporates both kinetic and potential energy components. The electron transitions to lower energy levels by emitting radiation, ultimately reaching the ground state when no additional energy is supplied to the system. This understanding clarifies the discrepancies between classical and quantum mechanical energy calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with the Schrödinger equation
  • Knowledge of electrostatic potential energy
  • Basic concepts of atomic structure
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom in detail
  • Explore the concept of energy levels in quantum mechanics
  • Research the process of radiation emission by electrons
  • Investigate the differences between classical and quantum mechanical models of atoms
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics, atomic theory, and energy dynamics in atomic systems.

sharma_satdev
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The hydrogen atom is formed by the combination of proton and electron initially separated by infinite distance therefore energy of hydrogen atom is expected to be equal to loss of electrostatic potential energy but energy value as derived by quantum mechanics is different Why is it so
 
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Well, if what you are saying was strictly true, then the atom wouldn't even be in a bound state by conservation of energy arguments. What happens is that the electron releases some of its energy by radiation, and so becomes trapped in one of the energy levels explained by quantum mechanics. Over time, if there is no additional energy put into the system, the electron will eventually emit enough radiation to end up in the "ground state" (the lowest lying quantum state).
 
sharma_satdev said:
The hydrogen atom is formed by the combination of proton and electron initially separated by infinite distance therefore energy of hydrogen atom is expected to be equal to loss of electrostatic potential energy but energy value as derived by quantum mechanics is different Why is it so

You are ignoring that in the Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom, there is a kinetic energy part as well as the potential energy. Your comparison to the change in electrostatic potential ignores any kinetic energy of the electron.

Zz.
 

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