What is the <r> for a hydrogen atom in n=2, l=1, m=0 state?

In summary, we are trying to find the average distance from the nucleus for a Hydrogen atom in the n=2, l=1, and m=0 state. To do this, we need to use the wave function ψ(r,θ,∅)=(1/4(√2pi)ab3/2)(r/ab)(e-r/2ab)(cos(θ), which represents the probability amplitude for the electron to be at a certain position. We then need to calculate the probability density function P(r) = 4pir2|R(r)|2 and use it in the equation <r> is equal to the integral from 0 to ∞ of P(r)dr. However, it is also
  • #1
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Homework Statement


Hydrogen is in n=2, l=1, and m=0.
Wave function is ψ(r,θ,∅)=(1/4(√2pi)ab3/2)(r/ab)(e-r/2ab)(cos(θ)

Find <r> for this state.


Homework Equations



P(r) = 4pir2|R(r)|2

<r> is equal to the integral from 0 to ∞ of P(r)dr

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand that you need to go from the wave function to R(r) and then P(r) to put that in the <r> equation. I am just not sure how you do the first step.
I put the equations in the picture below to better visualize it. Thanks in advance!
 

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  • #2
The equation for ##P(r)## already takes into account the fact that you have integrated the spherical harmonic over ##\theta, \phi##, and this is where the factor ##4 \pi## comes from. So you would have to remove the angular part from the initial wave function.

That said, I believe that you will learn more if you don't take that ready-made equation, but calculate it from first principles:
$$
\langle r \rangle = \int_{0}^{2 \pi} \int_{0}^{\pi} \int_{0}^{\infty} \psi^* r \psi r^2 dr \sin \theta d\theta d\phi
$$

Note that you have a factor ##r## missing in your description of the integration step, it should be
$$
\langle r \rangle = \int_{0}^{\infty} P(r) r^3 dr
$$
 

FAQ: What is the <r> for a hydrogen atom in n=2, l=1, m=0 state?

1. What is the Rutherford model of the hydrogen atom?

The Rutherford model is a model of the atom proposed by Ernest Rutherford in 1911. It states that the atom has a small, positively charged nucleus at its center, with negatively charged electrons orbiting around it.

2. How did Rutherford determine the of the hydrogen atom?

Rutherford determined the of the hydrogen atom by conducting the gold foil experiment. He shot alpha particles at a thin sheet of gold foil and observed how they were scattered. Based on his observations, he calculated that the of the hydrogen atom is approximately 1.2 x 10^-15 meters.

3. What is the significance of the of the hydrogen atom?

The of the hydrogen atom is significant because it is the smallest unit of measurement for an atom. It also allows us to understand the structure and behavior of atoms, which is crucial in fields such as chemistry and physics.

4. How does the of the hydrogen atom compare to other atoms?

The of the hydrogen atom is smaller than most other atoms, as it only contains one proton in its nucleus. However, it is larger than the of subatomic particles such as electrons, protons, and neutrons.

5. Can the of the hydrogen atom change?

No, the of the hydrogen atom is a constant value that does not change. It is determined by the properties of the atom and cannot be altered by external factors.

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