The electron in a hydrogen atom has an orbital radius of 0.0500 nm. To avoid being pulled into the nucleus by electrostatic attraction, the electron must have an orbital speed of A) 7.12 km/s. B) 25.2 km/s. C) 1.02 × 10⁶ m/s. D) 2.25 × 10⁶ m/s. E) 5.0 × 10⁸ m/s.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct orbital speed can be calculated using the formula for centripetal force, which is balanced by the electrostatic force. For a hydrogen atom, this speed is approximately 2.25 × 10^6 m/s.

The Electron in a Hydrogen Atom Has an Orbital Radius