The Hydrogen Atom (Schrodinger vs original Bohr theory)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparison between the Schrödinger equation and the original Bohr theory in the context of the hydrogen atom. Both approaches share the concept of quantized energy levels, represented by the quantum number n. However, they differ significantly in their treatment of the electron's behavior; the Bohr model depicts the electron as a particle in circular orbits, while the Schrödinger model describes the electron as a wavefunction, leading to the concept of orbitals rather than fixed paths. The Schrödinger approach does not imply elliptical orbits, as it focuses on probability distributions rather than specific trajectories.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Familiarity with the Schrödinger equation
  • Knowledge of atomic structure and quantum numbers
  • Basic grasp of wave-particle duality
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Schrödinger equation and its application to the hydrogen atom
  • Explore the concept of wavefunctions and orbitals in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the historical context and implications of Bohr's model
  • Learn about quantum numbers and their significance in atomic theory
USEFUL FOR

Students of quantum mechanics, physicists, and educators seeking a deeper understanding of atomic theory and the evolution of models describing electron behavior in hydrogen atoms.

aheizler
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
What quantities appear in both the Schrödinger approach and the original Bohr theory of a hydrogen atom?
Also, in what ways do the two approaches differ?

I'm not sure which quantities appear in both approaches. My guess would be that it has something to do with the energy levels and angular momentum, but I'm not sure. I'm also not sure how to show it.

I think a couple of ways they differ are as follows:
The original Bohr model suggests that the electron travels in a circular orbit around the nucleus, while the Schrödinger approach suggests that the electron travels in an elliptical orbit.
Another way they differ is that the Bohr model treats the electron as a particle orbiting the nucleus, while the Schrödinger model assumes the electron is a wave and tries to describe the regions in space, or orbitals.

Is any of this correct?

Thank you for any and all help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The "energy levels", i.e. the quantum number, n, does appear in both both Bohr Theory and Schrödinger Theory.

When solving the hydrogen atom problem using the the Schrödinger equation, you assume the electron is described by a wavefunction.

The eigensolutions for the S.E.Q. do not have definite radial values, so it not correct to say that the Schrödinger approach assumes elliptical orbits.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
14K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
8K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
9K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K