ATOMS

SELECTED IN TEXT QUESTION

[Link] :
12.3***,12.4***,12.5***,12.6,12,7,12.8,12.9***,12.10,
12.13*****,12.15*****,12.17**** R
A
H
D

NCERT EXEMPLAR :
I
R

QNO : 3,5,6
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 Chapter 12
Atoms
Important Results
1. The distance of closest approach (r0 ) is calculated by the formula of
kinetic energy of a-particle is given by
1 1 Ze (Ze)
KE = mv2 = .
2 4pe0 r0
2 q
Ze cot
2
R
2. Impact parameter is given by b =
æ1 ö
4pe0 ç mv2 ÷
A

è2 ø
H

3. For Bohr ’s atomic model

K × Ze2 mv2
D

(a) =
r2 r
I

nh
(b) Angular momentum of the electron mvr =
2p
R

where n = 1, 2, 3, 4, ...
S

(c) hn = E2 - E1
n2 h2
(d) Radius of stationary orbit, r= 2
4p mKZe2
2
2pKe c æ 2pKe2 ö
(e) Velocity of electron, v = = çç ÷
nh n è ch ÷ø
2p2 mK2 e4
(f) Total energy of electron in an orbit, E = -
n2 h2
KZe2 KZe2
(g) KE = , PE = -
2r r
13.6
(h) Total energy of electron in an orbit is calculated as E = - 2 eV
n
(i) The origin of spectral lines
1 é 1 1ù
n = = Rê 2 - 2 ú
l ë n1 n2 û
where, R = 1.0973 ´ 107 m -1 is the Rydberg’s constant.
 Exercises
Question 1. Choose the correct alternative from the clues given at the
end of the each statement:
(a) The size of the atom in Thomson’s model is .......... the atomic size
in Rutherford’s model. (much greater than/no different from/much
less than)
(b) In the ground state of .......... electrons are in stable equilibrium,
while in .......... electrons always experience a net force. (Thomson’s
model/ Rutherford’s model)
(c) A classical atom based on .................. is doomed to collapse.
(Thomson’s model/ Rutherford’s model)
(d) An atom has a nearly continuous mass distribution in a .......... but
has a highly non-uniform mass distribution in .......... . (Thomson’s
model/ Rutherford’s model)
(e) The positively charged part of the atom possesses most of the mass
R
in .......... . (Rutherford’s model/both the models)
A

Solution (a) No different from

(b) Thomson’s model, Rutherford’s model
H

(c) Rutherford’s model

D

(d) Thomson’s model, Rutherford’s model

(e) Both the models
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Question 2. Suppose you are given a chance to repeat the alpha

R

particle scattering experiment using a thin sheet of solid hydrogen in place

S

of the gold foil. (Hydrogen is a solid at temperatures below 14 K.) What

results do you expect?
Solution The basic purpose of scattering experiment is not completed
because solid hydrogen will be a much lighter target as compared to the
alpha particle acting as a projectile. By using the conditions of elastic
collisions, the hydrogen will move much faster as compared to alpha
after the collision. We cannot determine the size of hydrogen nucleus.
Question 3. What is the shortest wavelength present in the Paschen
series of spectral lines?
Solution For Paschen series, n1 = 3 and n2 = ¥ for shortest wavelength
Using the formula,
hc é 1 1ù
= R ê 2 - 2 ú [where R is the Rydberg constant]
l ë n1 n2 û
hc é1 1 ù
= 13.6 ´ 1.6 ´ 10- 19 ê 2 - 2 ú
l ë3 ¥ û
hc 21.76 ´ 10- 19
or =
l 9
 9 ´ 6.63 ´ 10- 34 ´ 3 ´ 108
or l= = 8.2265 ´ 10- 7 m
21.76 ´ 10- 19
= 822.65 nm
Thus, the shortest wavelength present is 822.65 nm.
Question 4. A difference of 2.3 eV separates two energy levels in an
atom. What is the frequency of radiation emitted when the atom makes a
transition from the upper level to the lower level?
Solution Given, difference in energy level E = 2.3 eV
= 2.3 ´ 1.6 ´ 10- 19 J
- 34
Planck’s constant h = 6.63 ´ 10 J-s
Let n be the frequency, then E = hv
E 2.3 ´ 1.6 ´ 10- 19
or n= =
h 6.63 ´ 10- 34
= 5.6 ´1014 Hz
R
A

Question 5. The ground state energy of hydrogen atom is –13.6 eV.

What are the kinetic and potential energies of the electron in this state?
H

Solution Given, the ground state energy of hydrogen atom

D

E = - 13.6 eV
I

We know that
Kinetic Energy (KE) = - E = 3.6 eV
R

Potential Energy (PE) = - 2KE = - 2 ´ 13.6 = - 27.2 eV

S

Question 6. A hydrogen atom initially in the ground level absorbs a

photon, which excites it to the n = 4 level. Determine the wavelength and
frequency of photon.
To find the wavelength and frequency of photon, use the relation of
13.6
energy of electron in hydrogen atom En = - 2 eV.
n
Solution For ground state n1 = 1 to n2 = 4
Energy absorbed by photon, E = E2 - E1
æ 1 1ö
= + 13.6 çç 2 - 2 ÷÷ ´ 1.6 ´ 10- 19 J
n
è 1 n 2 ø

æ1 1 ö
= 13.6 ç - 2 ÷ ´ 1.6 ´ 10- 19
è1 4 ø
æ15 ö
= 13.6 ´ 1.6 ´ 10- 19 ç ÷
è16 ø
= 20.4 ´ 10- 19
or E = hn = 20.4 ´ 10- 19
20.4 ´ 10- 19
Frequency n =
h
20.4 ´ 10- 19
=
6.63 ´ 10- 34
= 3.076 ´1015
= 3.1 ´1015 Hz
c
Wavelength of photon l =
n
3 ´ 108
=
3.076 ´ 1015
= 9.74 ´ 10- 8 m
Thus, the wavelength is 9.7 ´ 10-8 m and frequency is 3.1 ´1015 Hz.
R
Question 7. (a) Using the Bohr’s model calculate the speed of the
A

electron in a hydrogen atom in the n = 1, 2, and 3 levels.

(b) Calculate the orbital period in each of these levels.
H

c
Solution (a) Speed of the electron in Bohr ’s nth orbit v = a
D

n
2pKe2
I

where, a =
ch
R

a = 0.0073
S

c
\ v = ´ 0.0073
n
c
For n = 1, v1 = ´ 0.0073 =3 ´ 108 ´ 0.0073
1
= 2.19 ´ 106 m/s
c 3 ´ 108 ´ 0.0073
For n = 2, v2 = ´ 0.0073 =
2 2
= 1.095 ´ 106 m/s
c 3 ´ 108 ´ 0.0073
For n = 3, v3 = ´ 0.0073 =
3 3
= 7.3 ´ 105 m/s
(b) Orbital period of electron is given by
2pr
T =
v
n2 h2
Radius of nth orbit rn = 2
4p Kme2
 (1)2 ´ (6.63 ´ 10- 34 )2
\ r1 =
4 ´ 9.87 ´ (9 ´ 109 ) ´ 9 ´ 10- 31 ´ (16
. ´ 10- 19 )
= 0.53 ´ 10- 10 m
2pr1
For n = 1, T1 =
v1
2 ´ 3.14 0.53 ´ 10- 10
= = 1.52 ´ 10- 16 s
2.19 ´ 106
For n = 2, radius rn = n2 r1
\ r2 = 22 . r1 = 4 ´ 0.53 ´ 10- 10
v
and velocity v n = 1
n
v1 2.19 ´ 106
\ v2 = =
2 2
2 ´ 3.14 ´ 4 ´ 0.53 ´ 10- 10 ´ 2
R
Time period T2 =
2.19 ´ 106
A

= 1.216 ´ 10- 15 s
H

For n = 3, radius r3 = 32 r1 = 9r1 = 9 ´ 0.53 ´ 10- 10 m

D

v1 2.19 ´ 106
and velocity v3 = = m/s
I

3 3
2pr3 2 ´ 3.14 ´ 9 ´ 0.53 ´ 10- 10 ´ 3
R

Time period T3 = =
v3 2.19 ´ 106
S

= 4.1 ´ 10- 15 s

Question 8. The radius of the innermost electron orbit of a hydrogen

atom is 5.3 × 10 - 11 m. What are the radii of the n = 2 and n =3 orbits?
Solution Given, the radius of the innermost electron orbit of a
hydrogen r1 = 5.3 ´ 10- 11 m
As we know that rn = n2 r1
For n = 2 , radius r2 = 22 r1 = 4 ´ 5.3 ´ 10- 11 = 2.12 ´ 10- 10 m
For n = 3 , radius r3 = 32 r1 = 9 ´ 5.3 ´ 10- 11 = 4.77 ´ 10- 10 m

Question 9. A 12.5 eV electron beam is used to bombard gaseous

hydrogen at room temperature. What series of wavelengths will be
emitted?
Solution Energy of electron beam E = 12.5 eV = 12.5 ´ 1.6 ´ 10- 19 J
Planck’s constant h = 6.63 ´ 10- 34 J-s
Velocity of light c = 3 ´ 108 m/s
 hc 6.62 ´ 10- 34 ´ 3 ´ 108
Using the relation E= =
l 12.5 ´ 1.6 ´ 10- 19
= 0.993 ´ 10- 7 m = 993 ´ 10- 10 m
= 993 Å
This wavelength falls in the range of Lyman series (912 Å to 1216 Å)
thus, we conclude that Lyman series of wavelength 993 Å is emitted.
Question 10. In accordance with the Bohr’s model, find the quantum
number that characterises the earth’s revolution around the sun in an
orbit of radius 1.5 × 1011 m with orbital speed 3 × 10 4 m/s. (Mass of earth
= 6.0 × 10 24 kg.)
Solution Given, radius of orbit r = 1.5 ´1011 m
Orbital speed v = 3 ´ 104 m/s; Mass of earth M = 6 ´ 1024 kg
nh
Angular momentum, mvr =
2p
R
2pvrm
or n=
h
A

[where, n is the quantum number of the orbit]

H

2 ´ 3.14 ´ 3 ´ 104 ´ 1.5 ´ 1011 ´ 6 ´ 1024

=
D

6.63 ´ 10- 34
= 2.57 ´ 1074
I

or n = 2.6 ´ 1074
R

Thus, the quantum number is 2.6 ´ 1074 which is too large.

S

The electron would jump from n = 1 to n = 3.

- 13.6
E3 = = - 1.5 eV
32
So, they belong to Lyman series.

Additional Exercises
Question 11. Answer the following questions, which help you to
understand the difference between Thomson’s model and Rutherford’s
model better.
(a) Is the average angle of deflection of a-particles by a thin gold foil
predicted by Thomson’s model much less, about the same, or much
greater than that predicted by Rutherford’s model?
(b) Is the probability of backward scattering (i.e., scattering of
a-particles at angles greater than 90°) predicted by Thomson’s
 model much less, about the same, or much greater than that
predicted by Rutherford’s model?
(c) Keeping other factors fixed, it is found experimentally that for small
thickness t, the number of a-particles scattered at moderate angles
is proportional to t. What clue does this linear dependence on t
provide?
(d) In which model is it completely wrong to ignore multiple scattering
for the calculation of average angle of scattering of a-particles by a
thin foil?
Solution
(a) The average angle of deflection is almost same, because we are
taking almost average value.
(b) The probability of backward scattering is much less because in
Thomson’s model, there is no such massive central core called the
nucleus in Rutherford’s model.
(c) It suggests that the scattering is predominantly due to a single
collision because chance of a single collision increases with the
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number of target atoms which increases linearly with the thickness
of foil.
A

(d) In the Thomson’s model, positive charge is uniformly distributed in

the spherical atom. Therefore, a single collision causes very small
H

deflection. Therefore, average scattering angle can be explained

D

only by considering multiple scattering. So, it is wrong to ignore

multiple scattering in Thomson’s model.
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In Rutherford’s model, most of the scattering comes through a

single collision and multiple scattering effects can be ignored as a
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first approximation.
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Question 12. The gravitational attraction between electron and proton

in a hydrogen atom is weaker than the Coulomb attraction by a factor of
about 10 - 40 . An alternative way of looking at this fact is to estimate the
radius of the first Bohr orbit of a hydrogen atom, if the electron and
proton were bound by gravitational attraction. You will find the answer
interesting.
Solution As we know that the radius of first Bohr orbit of hydrogen
atom is
2
æ hö
4pe0 ç ÷
r0 = è 2p ø
me e2
Let we consider that the atom is bound by the gravitational force
Gmpme
=
r2
2
e
We replace by Gmpme . In that case, radius of first orbit (Bohr) of
4pe0
hydrogen atom would be
 2
æ hö
ç ÷
2p
r0 = è ø 2
Gmp. me
By substituting the standard values, we get
2
æ 6.6 ´ 10- 34 ö
ç ÷
ç 2 ´ 3.14 ÷
r0 = è ø
6.67 ´ 10- 11 ´ 1.67 ´ 10- 27 ´ (9.1 ´ 10-31)2
= 1.2 ´1029 m
This is much greater than the estimated size of the whole universe.
Question 13. Obtain an expression for the frequency of radiation
emitted when a hydrogen atom de-excites from level n to level (n – 1). For
large n, show that this frequency equals the classical frequency of
revolution of the electron in the orbit.
R
Solution Let n be the frequency when a hydrogen atom jumps from
level n to (n - 1).
A

i.e., n1 = (n - 1), n2 = n
H

Energy E = hn = E2 - E1
D

1 mc2 a 2 é 1 1 ù mc2 a 2 é n2 - (n - 1)2 ù

or n= ´ê 2
- 2ú = ê ú
2 ë (n - 1) 2h ë n2 (n - 1)2 û
I

h n û
mc2 a 2 [(n + n - 1) (n - n + 1) mc2 a 2 (2n - 1)
R

or n= =
2hn2 (n - 1)2 2hn2 (n - 1)2
S

For large values of n, (2n - 1 » 2n), (n - 1 » n).

mc2 a 2 2n mc2 a 2 æ 2pKe2 ö
n= = çQ a = ÷
2h n2 n2 hn3 ç ch ÷ø
è
mc2 4p2 K2 e4
or n=
hn3 c2 n2
4p2 K2 me4
or n= …(i)
h3 n3
hn
In Bohr ’s atomic model, velocity of nth orbit v = and radius
2pmr
n2 h2
r=
4p mKe2
2

Thus, frequency of oscillation

v nh æ 4p2 mKe2 ö
n= = ç ÷
2pr 2pmr ç 2pn2 h2 ÷
è ø
 Ke2 Ke2 æ 4p2 mKe2 ö 4p2 mK2 e4
= = ç ÷=
nhr nh çè n2 h2 ÷ø n3 h3
It is same as Eq. (i).
So, we can say that for large values of n, the classical frequency of
revolution of electron in nth orbit is same as the frequency of radiation
emitted when hydrogen atom de-excites from level n to level (n - 1).
Question 14. Classically, an electron can be in any orbit around the
nucleus of an atom. Then what determines the typical atomic size? Why
is an atom not, say, thousand times bigger than its typical size? The
question had greatly puzzled Bohr before he arrived at his famous model
of the atom that you have learnt in the text. To simulate what he might
well have done before his discovery, let us play as follows with the basic
constants of nature and see if we can get a quantity with the dimensions of
length that is roughly equal to the known size of an atom (– 10 -10 m).
(a) Construct a quantity with the dimensions of length from the
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fundamental constants e, me, and c. Determine its numerical value.
(b) You will find that the length obtained in (a) is many orders of
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magnitude smaller than the atomic dimensions. Further, it involves

H

c. But energies of atoms are mostly in non-relativistic domain

where c is not expected to play any role. This is what may have
D

suggested Bohr to discard c and look for ‘something else’ to get the
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right atomic size. Now, the Planck’s constant h had already made
its appearance elsewhere. Bohr’s great insight lay in recognising
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that h, me and e will yield the right atomic size. Construct a

quantity with the dimension of length from h, me and e and confirm
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that its numerical value has indeed the correct order of magnitude.
Solution
(a) Using the constants e, me and c, we construct a quantity which has
the dimensions of length.
e2
i. e.,
4pe0 me c2
e2 (1.6 ´ 10- 19 )2
Now, 2
=
4pe0 me c 4 ´ 3.14 ´ 8.85 ´ 10- 12 ´ 9.1 ´ 10- 31 ´ (3 ´ 108 )2
= 2.82 ´ 10- 15 m
This is much smaller as compared to atomic size.
(b) Using h, me and e, the quantity having dimensions of length is
2
æ hö
4pe0 ç ÷
è 2p ø
me × e2
 2
æ hö
2 æ 6.6 ´ 10- 34 ö
4pe0 ç ÷ ç ÷
ç 2 ´ 3.14 ÷
Now, è 2p ø = è ø
me e2 9 ´ 109 ´ 9.1 ´ 10- 31 ´ (1.6 ´ 10- 19 )2
= 0.53 ´ 10- 10 m
This is of the order of atomic sizes.
Question 15. The total energy of an electron in the first excited state of
the hydrogen atom is about – 3.4 eV.
(a) What is the kinetic energy of the electron in this state?
(b) What is the potential energy of the electron in this state?
(c) Which of the answers above would change if the choice of the zero
of potential energy is changed?
KZe2
Solution The kinetic energy of electron (KE) =
2r
- KZe2
Potential energy of electron (PE) = Þ PE = - 2 KE
R
r
A

In this calculation, the electric potential and potential energy are zero at
infinity.
H

Total energy = PE + KE = - 2KE + KE = - KE

D

(a) In the first excited state, total energy = – 3.4 eV

KE = - (-3.4) =3.4 eV
I

(b) PE of electron in this first excited state

R

= - 2 KE = - 2 (3.4) = - 6.8 eV.

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(c) If zero of potential energy is changed, kinetic energy does not

change and continue to be +3.4 eV. So, the potential energy and
total energy of the state would change with the choice of zero of
potential energy.
Question 16. If Bohr’s quantization postulate (angular momentum
nh / 2p) is a basic law of nature, it should be equally valid for the case of
planetary motion also. Why then do, we never speak its quantization of
orbits of planets around the sun?
Solution Applying Bohr ’s quantization postulate
nh
mvr =
2p
2pr
n = mv ´
n
6 ´ 10 ´ 3000 ´ 1.49 ´ 1011 ´ 2 ´ 3.14
24
n=
6.626 ´ 10- 14
= 0.1072
We can see that the Bohr ’s quantisation postulate is in terms of Planck’s
constant (h). But angular momenta associated with plantary motion are
~
- 1072 h (for earth). In term of Bohr ’s quantization postulate, this
corresponds to n = 1072 , for such large value of n, the differences in the
successive energies and angular momenta of the quantized levels are so
small compared to the energies and angular momentum respectively of
the levels can be considered as continuous.
Question 17. Obtain the first Bohr’s radius and the ground state energy
of a muonic hydrogen atom (i.e., an atom in which a negatively charged
muon (m) of mass about 207 me orbits around a proton).
Solution Muonic hydrogen is the atom in which a negatively charged
muon of mass about 207 me revolves around a proton.
1
In Bohr ’s atom model, rµ
m
rmuon m me 1
Q = e = = (Q mm = 207 me )
relectron mm 207 me 207
R
Here, re is radius of orbit of electron in hydrogen atom = 0.53 Å
A

r 0.53 ´ 10- 10
rm = e = = 2.56 ´ 10- 13 m
H

207 207
Again in Bohr’s atom model.
D

Q E µm
I

Em mm 207 me
\ = =
R

Ee me me
Þ Em = 207 Ee
S

For ground state, energy of electron in hydrogen atom

Ee = - 13.6 eV
\ Em = 207 (– 13.6) = – 2815.2 eV
= – 2.8152 keV

Selected NCERT Exemplar Problems

Question 1. The mass of an H-atom is less than the sum of the masses
of a proton and electron. Why is this?
Solution According to Einstein’s mass energy equation, E = mc 2
E
The mass of H-atom is mp + me - 2 .
c
where, energy E = 13.6 eV, which is binding energy.
Question 2. Would the Bohr formula for the H-atom remain
unchanged, if proton had a charge ( + 4 / 3) e and electron had a charge
( - 3 / 4) e, where e = 1.6 ´ 10 -19 C. Give reasons for your answer.
Solution According to Bohr ’s theory, centripetal force required by the
electron for their motion around the nucleus = Electric force between the
protons and electrons.
mv2 1 (qp) (qe )
= (From Coulomb’s law)
r 4pe0 r2
where r = atomic radius, qp = charge of proton = + e
qe = charge of electron = - e
1 (e) (- e) 1 - e2
= =
4pe0 r2 4pe0 r 2
4
Now, given charge on proton qp = + e
3
3
Charge on electron qe = - e
R
4
Putting the new value (keeping after factors unchanged)
A

æ4 ö æ 3 ö
ç e÷ ç - e÷
H

mv2 1 è3 ø è 4 ø
=
4pe0 r2
D

r
1 - e2
I

=
4pe0 r 2
R

i. e., Bohr ’s formula remain unchanged.

S

Question 3. Consider two different hydrogen atoms. The electron in

each atom is in an excited state. Is it possible for the electrons to have
different energies but the same orbital angular momentum according to
the Bohr’s model?
Solution No, it is not possible for the electron to have different
energies because according to Bohr ’s model,
-13.6
En =
n2
The electrons which are in different energies, they have different values
of n.
nh
Angular momentum, mvr = , so as n changes angular momentum
2p
changes.
Question 4. Positronium is just like an H-atom with the proton
replaced by the positively charged anti-particle of the electron (called the
positron which is as massive as the electron). What would be the ground
state energy of positronium?
 - me4
Solution The Bohr ’s formula, En =
8e0 n2 h2
me
For H-atom m » me (mass of electron) and mas of positronium, m =
2
En -13.6
So, the energy, En¢ = = = - 6.8 eV
2 2
Question 5. Using Bohr’s model, calculate the electric current created
by the electron when the H-atom is in the ground state.
Solution Let v be the velocity of electron and a 0 be Bohr ’s radius.
Revolution Distance
Number of revolutions/time = =
Time Speed
2pa0
n=
v
Current I = ne
2pa0
R
I= e
v
A

Question 6. What is the minimum energy that must be given to an

H

H-atom in ground state so that it can emit an Hg line in Balmer series. If

the angular momentum of the system is conserved, what would be the
D

angular momentum of such Hg photons?

I

Solution Hg line in Balmer series corresponds to transition n = 5 to n = 2.

R

Since, the electron is in ground state n = 1.

é 13.6 ù
So, energy required = E1 - E5 = 13.6 - 0.54 = 13.06 eV
êëQ En = - n2 úû
S

As given in the question, the angular momentum is conserved.

The angular momentum of photon
= Change in angular momentum of electron
= L 5 - L 2 = 5h - 2h
= 3h = 3 ´ 1.06 ´ 10-34
= 3.18 ´ 10-34 kg-m2 /s