Question

In the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, the electrons can exist only in circular orbits of certain radii. a. Will larger orbits have higher, lower, or equal potential than a smaller orbit

Answer 1

Larger orbits would have higher potential difference or in this case, electron Volts

Step-by-step explanation:

Each shell has a principle quantum number (n) indicative of the energy level or orbital, and the amount of energy (in eV) associated with these orbitals.

During excitation of electron, the electron receives energy to jump to a higher energy orbital. Since larger orbitals mean a larger radii, higher amount of energy would be required to make the jump from level to level.

Answer 2

Larger orbits will have a higher potential than a smaller orbit.

Step-by-step explanation:

In 1913 Bohr proposed a quantized shell model of the atom which explained how electrons can be stable orbits around the nucleus. The proposition of moving electrons in the Rutherford model led to an unstable atom because, according to classical mechanics and electromagnetic theory, any charged particle moving on a curved path emits electromagnetic radiation; thus, the electrons should lose energy and eventually spiral into the nucleus. To remedy this situation, Bohr modified the Rutherford model by assuming that electrons move in orbits of fixed size and energy. The energy of any electron depends on the size of the orbit and is higher for larger orbits and lower for smaller orbits. Hence the potential is higher for larger orbits and lower for smaller orbits.