Stationary states (The Bohr hydrogen atom)

In summary, a stationary state in the Bohr hydrogen atom refers to specific energy levels that an electron can occupy. These levels correspond to specific wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum and are significant in understanding electron behavior and the quantization of energy in atoms. The energy levels can be calculated using the Rydberg formula and electrons cannot exist in between stationary states according to the Bohr model.
  • #1
Erenjaeger
141
6
why are energies of the stationary states negative ??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
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.
 

What is a stationary state in the Bohr hydrogen atom?

A stationary state in the Bohr hydrogen atom refers to the specific energy levels that an electron can occupy around the nucleus of a hydrogen atom. These energy levels are characterized by a fixed amount of energy and do not change over time.

How are stationary states related to the electromagnetic spectrum?

The energy levels of stationary states in the Bohr hydrogen atom correspond to specific wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. When an electron transitions from one stationary state to another, it emits or absorbs a photon of light with a corresponding wavelength.

What is the significance of the stationary states in the Bohr hydrogen atom?

The stationary states in the Bohr hydrogen atom are significant because they provide a theoretical framework for understanding the behavior of electrons in atoms. They also explain the discrete nature of atomic spectra and the quantization of energy in atoms.

How are the stationary states in the Bohr hydrogen atom calculated?

The energy levels of stationary states in the Bohr hydrogen atom can be calculated using the Rydberg formula, which takes into account the charge of the nucleus, the mass of the electron, and Planck's constant. These calculations can also be extended to other atoms with more than one electron.

Can electrons exist in between stationary states in the Bohr hydrogen atom?

No, according to the Bohr model, electrons can only exist in the specific energy levels of stationary states. They cannot exist in between these levels as it would violate the principles of quantized energy and angular momentum in atoms.

Similar threads

Replies
22
Views
1K
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
939
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
17
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
18
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
10
Views
885
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top