Gauss' Law: Charge of a Hydrogen Atom

In summary, the conversation discussed the structure of a hydrogen atom, consisting of a positive point charge surrounded by a negative charge distributed in the space around it. The distribution of the negative charge is given by the law p=Ce^(−2r/R), where C is a constant, r is the distance from the center of the atom, and R is Bohr's radius. The value of the constant C was found using the electrical neutrality of the atom. For the electric field, the use of Gauss's Law was suggested, as the charge density is not uniform. Further clarification was given regarding the use of spherical coordinates and the importance of using the homework template in future posts.
  • #1
Lucas Silva
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New user has been reminded to fill out the Homework Help Template when starting a new schoolwork thread.
Suppose the hydrogen atom consists of a positive point charge (+e), located in the center of the atom, which is surrounded by a negative charge (-e), distributed in the space around it.

The space distribution of the negative charge changes according to the law p=Ce^(−2r/R), where C is a constant, r is the distance from the center of the atom, and R is Bohr's radius.

Find the value of the constant C by using the electrical neutrality of the atom.

Find the electrical field for r<R

Find the eltrical field for r > R

So what I've done is:

Since p stands for charge density, p = Q/V , where V = 4/3 Pi R^3 and Q = -Q

Thus, p = C*exp^(−2r/R) = -Q / 4/3 Pi R^3

Solving for C... C=[ -3*Q* r^2 * exp(2R/r)] / 4*Pi* R^3

For the electrical field I couldn't think of anything...

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Sorry for the portuguese image... It was the only I could find. Note Ao = R
 

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  • #2
Your equation for finding the charge assumes uniform charge density. The density is not uniform, so you will have to do an integral. For the electric field you need to use Gauss's Law.
 
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  • #3
kuruman said:
Your equation for finding the charge assumes uniform charge density. The density is not uniform, so you will have to do an integral. For the electric field you need to use Gauss's Law.
But if I integrate considering Q = ∫ ρ dV

Considering a Gaussian Surface with thickness of dr' ; the volume would be 4 * pi * r' * dr'
Where dV = 4 Pi r' dr' ... integrating from 0 to R I will get the same result as before.
 
  • #4
Not quite.
$$Q=\int{\rho(r) dV}=\int{\frac{C}{r^2}~e^{-\frac{2r}{a_0}}dV}$$
What is ##dV## in spherical coordinates?

Also, for future reference please use the homework template when posting homework problems or your post may be deleted.
 
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  • #5
kuruman said:
Not quite.
$$Q=\int{\rho(r) dV}=\int{\frac{C}{r^2}~e^{-\frac{2r}{a_0}}dV}$$
What is ##dV## in spherical coordinates?

Also, for future reference please use the homework template when posting homework problems or your post may be deleted.
Thank you ! Sorry for not using the homework template, I was really in a rush.

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  • #6
Sorry, I cannot read the pictures. Your writing is small and faint and lighting is poor. If you do not have the time to learn and use LaTeX, please write bigger use blank ink and a lot of light before taking another picture.
 

FAQ: Gauss' Law: Charge of a Hydrogen Atom

1. What is Gauss' Law and how does it relate to the charge of a Hydrogen atom?

Gauss' Law is a fundamental law in electromagnetism that relates the electric flux through a closed surface to the charge enclosed within that surface. In the case of a Hydrogen atom, the charge enclosed within a closed surface is equal to the charge of the proton in the nucleus, since the electron has an equal but opposite charge and is located at the center of the atom.

2. How does Gauss' Law explain the stability of the Hydrogen atom?

Gauss' Law states that the net electric flux through a closed surface must be equal to the charge enclosed within that surface. In the case of the Hydrogen atom, the electron is constantly orbiting the proton, creating a changing electric field. However, since the net electric flux through a closed surface around the atom is zero, the electric field is balanced and the atom remains stable.

3. What is the mathematical equation for Gauss' Law?

The mathematical equation for Gauss' Law is ∫E•dA = Q/ε0, where ∫E•dA represents the electric flux through a closed surface, Q represents the charge enclosed within that surface, and ε0 is the permittivity of free space.

4. How is Gauss' Law used to calculate the electric field of a Hydrogen atom?

Gauss' Law can be used to calculate the electric field of a Hydrogen atom by choosing a closed surface that encloses the proton in the nucleus. Since the proton is a point charge, the electric field at any point on the surface will be constant and can be calculated using the equation E = Q/4πε0r2, where Q is the charge of the proton and r is the distance from the proton to the point on the surface.

5. Can Gauss' Law be applied to other atoms besides Hydrogen?

Yes, Gauss' Law can be applied to any atom that has a net charge, such as ions or molecules with polar bonds. However, for more complex atoms with multiple electrons, other laws and equations must be used to accurately calculate the electric field and charge distribution.

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