The ionization potential of an atom is defined as the energy required to completely remove an electron . using Bohr's theory , calculate the ionization potential of the hydrogen atom?

1 Answer
Feb 1, 2018

See the calculation in the explanation below...

Explanation:

The stationary state energies for a hydrogen atom, in Bohr's model are calculated from the formula

#E_n=(-1311)/n^2 (kJ)/"mol"#

where -1311 kJ/mol is a constant that Bohr objected in his calculations. Its value depends only on physical constants such as the mass and charge of the electron (and Planck's constant), and #n# is the number of the energy level (or orbit).

The ground state corresponds to #n=1#, the lowest possible energy, and the orbit closest to the nucleus.

#E_1 = (-1311)/1^2 = -1311 (kJ)/"mol"#

The ion state, where the electron has been removed from the atom corresponds to #nrarroo#, at which point #E=0#.

The ionization energy is the difference between these two levels:

#IE= 0 - (-1331) = 1311 kJ/"mol"#