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Chapter 3: Problem 5

Recall that a \({ }^{1} \mathrm{H}\) atom consists of a proton as the nucleus and an electron outside of the nucleus. Is the potential energy, \(V\), of a hydrogen atom a positive or negative number? Explain your answer.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The potential energy, \(V\), of a hydrogen atom is a negative number.

Step by step solution

01

Identify The Components of a Hydrogen Atom

A hydrogen atom consists of a proton in the nucleus and an electron outside the nucleus. The proton has a positive charge (+1) and the electron has a negative charge (-1).
02

Understand the Nature of Potential Energy in an Atom

The potential energy of an electron in an atom is determined by the electrostatic force between the nucleus and the electron. This force is attractive, as positive and negative charges attract each other.
03

Determine Sign of Potential Energy

The electron is in a lower energy state when it is closer to the nucleus because of the attractive force. Hence, the potential energy of the system is less than zero, which makes it negative.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

If \(q\) for an electron is \(-1\), a) what is \(q\) for a proton? b) what is \(q\) for a neutron? c) what is \(q\) for the nucleus of a \(C\) atom?

If \(d\) is finite, and the particles have the same charge (that is, \(q_{1}=q_{2}\) ), is \(V>0\) or is \(V<0 ?\) Explain your answer.

Assuming that \(q_{1}\) and \(q_{2}\) remain constant, what happens to the magnitude of \(\bar{V}\) if the separation, \(d\), is increased?

Which of the following systems will have the larger ionization energy? Explain your reasoning. i) an electron at a distance \(d_{1}\) from a nucleus with charge \(+2\) ii) an electron at a distance \(d_{1}\) from a nucleus with charge \(+1\)

Which of the following systems will have the larger ionization energy? Explain your reasoning. i) an electron at a distance of \(500 \mathrm{pm}\) from a nucleus with charge \(+2\) ii) an electron at a distance of \(700 \mathrm{pm}\) from a nucleus with charge \(+2\)
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