An electron of momentum p is at a distance r from a stationary proton. The electron has kinetic energy . The atoms has potential energy and total energy . If the electron is bound to the proton to form a hydrogen atom, its average position is at the proton but the uncertainty in its position is approximately equal to the radius r of its orbit. The electron's average vector momentum is zero, but its average squared momentum is approximately equal to the squared uncertainty in its momentum as given by the uncertainty principle. Treating the atom as a one-dimensional system: (a) estimate the uncertainty in the electron's momentum in terms of r. Estimate the electron's (b) kinetic energy and (c) total energy in terms of r. The actual value of r is the one that minimizes the total energy, resulting in a stable atom. Find (d) that value of r and (e) the resulting total energy. (f) State how your answers compare with the predictions of the Bohr theory.
