What is the kinetic energy of the electron?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The kinetic energy (KE) of an electron in the Bohr Model of a hydrogen atom is calculated using the formula KE = ke^2/2r, where k is Coulomb's constant, e is the charge of the electron, and r is the radius of the electron's orbit. The electrical potential energy (U) is defined as U = kqq/r, leading to the conclusion that KE = -1/2U. This relationship demonstrates that the electron's kinetic energy is equal to half of the electric potential energy, affirming the principles of electromagnetic interactions over gravitational effects at the atomic scale.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Bohr Model of the hydrogen atom
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy and potential energy equations
  • Knowledge of Coulomb's law and electric potential energy
  • Basic grasp of centripetal acceleration and forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Bohr Model equations
  • Learn about the implications of electromagnetic forces in atomic structures
  • Explore the relationship between kinetic and potential energy in different physical systems
  • Investigate the role of gravitational forces at atomic scales
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying atomic models, educators teaching electromagnetism, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of energy in atomic systems.

jamespetrovitch
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


In the Bohr Model of a hydrogen atom, a single electron revolves around a single proton in a circle of radius r. Assume that the proton remains at rest.
(a) what is the kinetic energy of the electron?
(b) what is the electrical potential energy?
(c) show that the electron's kinetic energy is equal to half of the electric potential energy.
(give answers in terms of e, Me, Mp, and r)

Homework Equations


KE = 1/2mv^2
F = Ma(centripetal accel.)
a(centripetal accel.) = v^2/r
F = (mv)^2/r = (kqq)/r^2

KE = -1/2U
U = GMm/r^2 = (kqq)/r
v(orbit) = \sqrt{}GM/r
1/2mv^2 = GMm/2r
F = q|E|
|E| = F/q = kq/r^2


The Attempt at a Solution


a)KE = ke^2/2r

b) I am having trouble finding a way to say that KE = -1/2U because I keep getting that...
KE = ke^2/2r
and that
U = GMm/2r even though U should be equal to something like...
U = -GMm/4r

c)cannot find a way to relate them...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
jamespetrovitch said:

The Attempt at a Solution


a)KE = ke^2/2r
Correct
jamespetrovitch said:
b) I am having trouble finding a way to say that KE = -1/2U because I keep getting that...
KE = ke^2/2r
and that
U = GMm/2r even though U should be equal to something like...
U = -GMm/4r
Look up the equation for electic potentional energy :wink:
 
ah, so for ...
b) U=kqq/r

and

c) KE = ke^2/2r
(1/2)(kqq/r) = KE = kee/2r

do I need to relate
KE = GMm/2r = kqq/2r any further or do the constants pretty much switch out since it is dealing with electric potential and not gravitation?
 
jamespetrovitch said:
ah, so for ...
b) U=kqq/r

and

c) KE = ke^2/2r
(1/2)(kqq/r) = KE = kee/2r

do I need to relate
KE = GMm/2r = kqq/2r any further or do the constants pretty much switch out since it is dealing with electric potential and not gravitation?
The gravitational field is negligable on the atomic scale, you only need to consider the electromagnetic field.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
998
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
995
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
11K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K