A hydrogen atom consists of a proton and an electron. If the orbital radius of the electron increases, the electric potential energy of the electron due to the proton
A) decreases.
B) remains the same.
C) increases.
D) depends on the zero point of the potential.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric potential energy (V) between two charges (like the electron and proton in a hydrogen atom) is given by V = kQq/r, where k is Coulomb's constant, Q and q are the charges, and r is the distance between them. As the orbital radius (r) increases, the denominator of this equation increases, causing the overall value of V to become less negative, which is interpreted as an increase in electric potential energy.

A Hydrogen Atom Consists of a Proton and an Electron