The Bohr Model of the Hydrogen Atom

In summary, the conversation revolved around the energy levels in the Bohr model and finding the initial and final states of a hydrogen atom in an excited state. The expression for the energy levels in the Bohr model is En = (- E0) / n^2 and the difference in energy between the initial and final states is 2.825 eV. The process of finding the initial and final states involves listing the energies of the first few levels and subtracting them until a match is found.
  • #1
Shackleford
1,656
2
A hydrogen atom in an excited state absorbs a photon of wavelength 434 nm. What were the initial and final states of the hydrogen atom?

E = hf = Eu - El = 2.825 eV

That's the difference in energy between the initial and final states.
 
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  • #2
What's the expression for the energy levels in the Bohr model?
 
  • #3
Doc Al said:
What's the expression for the energy levels in the Bohr model?

En = (- E0) / n^2
 
  • #4
Shackleford said:
En = (- E0) / n^2
Good. Now start cranking out a few transitions and see if you can find a match. (The trial and error approach.)

Hint: List the energies of the first few levels and then you can just subtract.
 
  • #5
Doc Al said:
Good. Now start cranking out a few transitions and see if you can find a match. (The trial and error approach.)

Seriously? That's all I have to do? Isn't there usually a fancy way to manipulate the equations algebraically and find the "n"s? I tried to find a fancy way to solve for the "n"s but couldn't. Okay. I'll start plugging in values for n.
 

FAQ: The Bohr Model of the Hydrogen Atom

What is the Bohr Model of the Hydrogen Atom?

The Bohr Model of the Hydrogen Atom is a simplified representation of the structure of a hydrogen atom proposed by Danish physicist Niels Bohr in 1913. It describes how electrons orbit around the nucleus of a hydrogen atom in specific energy levels.

How does the Bohr Model explain the stability of the Hydrogen Atom?

The Bohr Model explains the stability of the Hydrogen Atom by proposing that electrons can only exist in certain fixed energy levels, or orbits, around the nucleus. These energy levels are determined by the amount of energy an electron possesses. The lowest energy level, or ground state, is the most stable and electrons can only move between energy levels by absorbing or emitting specific amounts of energy.

What is the significance of the Bohr Model in the history of atomic theory?

The Bohr Model was a significant advancement in the field of atomic theory as it provided a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the structure of atoms. It also helped to explain the observed spectra of hydrogen and other elements, and paved the way for future discoveries in quantum mechanics.

What are the limitations of the Bohr Model?

The Bohr Model has several limitations, including the fact that it only accurately describes the behavior of a single electron system, such as the hydrogen atom. It also does not account for the wave-like nature of electrons and the uncertainty principle, which are key principles in quantum mechanics.

How has the Bohr Model been modified or improved upon in modern atomic theory?

The Bohr Model has been modified and improved upon in modern atomic theory through the development of quantum mechanics. This has led to a better understanding of the behavior of electrons in atoms, including the concept of electron orbitals rather than fixed orbits. Additionally, the Bohr Model has been expanded to include the behavior of multiple electrons in more complex atoms.

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