Q: From the Bohr model of the Hydrogen atom, calculate the minimum amount of energy (in eV) an electron in the lowest orbital would need to free it from its proton (i.e., to ionize the atom).
A: would I use the equation: En = - 13.6 / (n^2) ?
If so, an an electron in its ground state would be n= 1
So the answer would be -13.6 eV ?
Q2: If you consider the Bohr model of the atom, where the proton and electron act as two bodies of mass, and the electron escapes from the pull of the proton with the energy found in part A, how is this similar to the energy needed for one body of mass, like a planet, to escape the gravitational force of another planet?
A2: I understand that in order for a planet to escape the gravitational force of another planet energy must be exerted, just as with the proton and electron, but I don't understand what they want for an answer.
Q1. The answer is +13.6 eV A removed electron at infinite distance is defineed to have zero energy.
Q2. Both are analogous inverse-square-law situations. The ionization energy needed to remove an electron is similar to the "escape velocity" kinetic energy needed to leave the surface of a planet, and go to infinite distance (not an orbit). Going into orbit requires less energy than escap9ing the planet.
A2: You're correct in noticing the similarity between the energy needed for the electron to escape the proton's pull and the energy needed for a planet to escape the gravitational force of another planet. In both cases, energy needs to be exerted to overcome the attractive force. However, it seems that the question is asking for a further comparison or explanation.
To address the question more thoroughly, let's look at the similarities between the two scenarios. Firstly, both the electron in the Bohr model and the planet can be considered as bodies of mass orbiting another body. Secondly, in both cases, escape energy is required to overcome the attractive force.
One key difference is that in the case of the Bohr model, the escape energy is provided by electromagnetic interactions and the energy levels of the electron. On the other hand, in the case of planets, the escape energy is provided by some external force, often through the assistance of a spacecraft or a natural phenomenon like a rocket.
Another difference is that the nature of the attractive forces in these situations is different. In the Bohr model, the attractive force is due to the electromagnetic interaction between the positively charged proton and the negatively charged electron. In the case of planets, the attractive force is due to the force of gravity between the mass of the planets.
Overall, the similarity lies in the concept of escape energy required to overcome the attractive force. However, the underlying physics and mechanisms differ, as explained above. So, for the answer, you can mention the similarities in terms of the need for escape energy and the dynamics of orbiting bodies, while also highlighting the differences in the nature of the forces and the sources of energy.