Question

In the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, the speed of the electron is approximately 2.30 x 10^6 m/s. How would you find the force acting on the electron as it revolves in a circular orbit of radius 5.30 x10^ -11 m?

Answer 1

You would find it like this:

Explanation:

I will apply classical physics to this problem.

The centripetal force is given by:

`F=(mv^2)/(r)`

I'll use the rest mass of the electron:

`m=9.1xx10^(-31)"kg"`

`:.F=(9.1xx10^(-31)xx(2.3xx10^(6))^2)/(5.3xx10^(-11))`

`F=9.08xx10^(-8)"N"`

This is not a good question as it is not compatible with the Bohr model of the atom. An electron in a circular orbit like this would emit radiation and, by losing energy, spiral into the nucleus.

To overcome this problem Bohr proposed the concept of "energy levels".

I have given an answer based on classical physics.