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MHT CET · Physics · Atomic Physics

In hydrogen atoms, radius of the smallest orbit of the electron is \(a_0\), the radius of the third orbit is

  1. A \(\frac{a_0}{9}\)
  2. B \(3 \mathrm{a}_0\)
  3. C \(6 a_0\)
  4. D \(9 \mathrm{a}_0\)
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(D) \(9 \mathrm{a}_0\)

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Concept: Bohr orbit radius
The electron undergoes a uniform circular motion in Bohr's orbit. The coulombic attraction of the nucleus balancing the centrifugal force:
\(\frac{\mathrm{mv}^2}{\mathrm{r}}=\frac{\mathrm{eZ}}{4 \pi \varepsilon_0 \mathrm{r}^2}\)
Further, the angular momentum of electron in Bohr's orbit is:
\(\mathrm{mvr}=\frac{\mathrm{nh}}{2 \pi}\)
On squaring the second equation and dividing it by the first equation:
\(r \propto \frac{n^2}{Z}\)
The smallest Bohr orbit has radius \(\mathrm{a}_0\) as \(\mathrm{n}=1\). Using the above functional dependence of the Bohr orbit, the third orbit is has radius \(9 \mathrm{a}_0\).