Speed of Electrons and energy level

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of electrons in different energy levels, particularly focusing on their speed and the implications of centripetal force in atomic models. Participants explore concepts related to energy levels, centripetal acceleration, and the Bohr model of the atom.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between electron speed and energy levels, questioning how centripetal force relates to radius and speed. There are attempts to reconcile different interpretations of motion and energy in atomic structures.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with various perspectives being shared. Some participants provide insights into the Bohr model and the nature of centripetal force, while others raise questions about the assumptions being made regarding these concepts.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the relationship between speed and energy levels, as well as the role of centripetal force in this context. Participants are also considering the forms of energy associated with orbiting electrons.

Werg22
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Do electrons on higher energy levels have increased speed? This is confusing because if we look at it considering a centripetal force inversly proportional to the radius squared, the speed decreases. However since it's on a higher energy level, doesn't that mean the speed actually increases?
 
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Well you can think of it like this. v^2/r equals a constant, if r increases v must also increase to maintain the same centripetal acceleration. If youre up to rotational motion, then you know the formula v=omega*r. If angular velocity is the same, than as you go farther out, linear velocity must be greater to catch up to the other electrons.
Bohr realized this and thought that if electrons were giving off light, they were losing energy and must be moving closer and closer to the nucleus with lower and lower velocity until they collided with it. He resolved this with the Bohr model and quantized energy levels
 
Why should the centripetal force be constant? Isn't proportional to the inverse of the radius squared?
 
It is not constant I should think. If you have covered electric fields you would know and yes you are right that it is inversely proportional to r. The v=r*omega analogy is correct though.
 
Werg22 said:
Do electrons on higher energy levels have increased speed? This is confusing because if we look at it considering a centripetal force inversly proportional to the radius squared, the speed decreases. However since it's on a higher energy level, doesn't that mean the speed actually increases?
What forms of energy does the orbiting electron have?
 

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