In a classic model, the electron of a hydrogen atom circles the proton at a radius of 0.052910−9m when it is in the n=1 state. What is its electric potential energy?
To find the electric potential energy of the electron in the n=1 state of a hydrogen atom, we need to use the equation for the potential energy of an electron in a hydrogen atom:
E = -13.6 eV / n^2
Here, E corresponds to the electric potential energy, -13.6 eV is the ionization energy of hydrogen, and n is the principal quantum number.
In this case, the electron is in the n=1 state, so we substitute n=1 into the equation:
E = -13.6 eV / (1^2)
E = -13.6 eV
Therefore, the electric potential energy of the electron in the n=1 state of a hydrogen atom is -13.6 eV.
Please note that the negative sign indicates that the electron is bound to the hydrogen atom and has potential energy associated with its position relative to the nucleus.