Stationary states (The Bohr hydrogen atom)

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SUMMARY

The energies of the stationary states in the Bohr hydrogen atom are negative due to the choice of potential that vanishes at infinity. This convention establishes a reference point for energy levels, making the absolute value of energy unobservable. Consequently, any arbitrary real value can be added to the total energy without affecting the physical outcomes of the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom
  • Knowledge of potential energy concepts in physics
  • Basic grasp of energy reference points in physical systems
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  • Study the implications of potential energy in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of the Bohr model
  • Learn about energy quantization in atomic systems
  • Investigate the concept of reference points in physics
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in quantum mechanics and atomic theory will benefit from this discussion.

Erenjaeger
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why are energies of the stationary states negative ??
 
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Because we choose the potential such that it vanishes at infinity. The absolute value of the energy is unobservable, you can add an arbitrary real value to the total energy without changing any physics.
 

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