The time average potential of neutral hydrogen atom

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the time-averaged potential of a neutral hydrogen atom, specifically using the electronic charge (q) and the Bohr radius (a₀). Participants analyze the mathematical derivation involving the product rule for differentiation and the handling of derivatives related to the potential function. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in the algebraic manipulation of exponential functions and derivatives, particularly in the context of the term involving e^(-αr).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, particularly the hydrogen atom model
  • Proficiency in calculus, specifically differentiation techniques
  • Familiarity with the concept of potential energy in atomic physics
  • Knowledge of exponential functions and their derivatives
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  • Study the derivation of the potential energy for hydrogen-like atoms
  • Learn about the application of the product rule in calculus
  • Explore the physical interpretation of charge distributions in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the implications of the Bohr model on atomic structure
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Students and researchers in physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics and atomic theory, as well as educators looking for detailed examples of potential calculations in atomic systems.

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Homework Statement


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The time-averaged potential of a neutral hydrogen atom is given by

latex.png


where q is the magnitude of the electronic charge, and
latex.png
being the Bohr radius. Find the distribution of charge( both continuous and discrete) that will give this potential and interpret your result physically.

Homework Equations


[/B]
latex.png


The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
latex.png


latex.png
since
latex.png
and
latex.png


from product rule

latex.png


latex.png


now I'm stuck here no idea how to handle first term.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Ok I think I figure it out.

lets take derivative one term at a time using product rule

\frac{1}{r^{2}}\frac{\partial}{\partial r}\left[r^{2}e^{-\alpha r}\frac{\partial}{\partial r}\left(\frac{1}{r}\right)\right]=\frac{1}{r^{2}}\left[2re^{-\alpha r}\frac{\partial}{\partial r}\left(\frac{1}{r}\right)+r^{2}\left(-\alpha\right)e^{-\alpha r}\frac{\partial}{\partial r}\left(\frac{1}{r}\right)+r^{2}e^{-\alpha r}\frac{\partial^{2}}{\partial r^{2}}\left(\frac{1}{r}\right)\right]

putting \frac{\partial}{\partial r}\left(\frac{1}{r}\right)=-\frac{1}{r^{2}}

\frac{1}{r^{2}}\left[2re^{-\alpha r}\left(-\frac{1}{r^{2}}\right)+r^{2}\left(-\alpha\right)e^{-\alpha r}\left(-\frac{1}{r^{2}}\right)+r^{2}e^{-\alpha r}\frac{\partial^{2}}{\partial r^{2}}\left(\frac{1}{r}\right)\right]=\frac{1}{r^{2}}\left[-2e^{-\alpha r}\frac{1}{r}+\alpha e^{-\alpha r}+r^{2}e^{-\alpha r}\frac{\partial^{2}}{\partial r^{2}}\left(\frac{1}{r}\right)\right]

=-2e^{-\alpha r}\frac{1}{r^{3}}+\alpha e^{-\alpha r}\frac{1}{r^{2}}+e^{-\alpha r}\frac{\partial^{2}}{\partial r^{2}}\left(\frac{1}{r}\right)
 
Last edited:
Is it exp(alpha r) or exp(- alpha r) ?

I have not checked your algebra. But you stopped with there still being a derivative. You are not done.
 

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