Question

Determine the linear momentum of the electron in the second Bohr orbit in a hydrogen atom. Hence determine the linear momentum in the third Bohr orbit.

Answer 1

The linear speed of the electron in the nth Bohr orbit,

v_n = \(\cfrac{e^2}{2ε_0nh}\)

∴ The linear momentum of the electron in the second orbit,

P₂ = m_ev₂ = \(\cfrac{m_e\,e^2}{4ε_0h}\)

Since v_n \(\propto\) 1/n,

pn \(\propto\) 1/n

∴ The linear momentum of the electron in the third orbit,