The potential energy of an electron in the ground state of the hydrogen atom is _________.
A) 0.000
B) -13.6 eV
C) -27.2 eV
D) 13.6 eV
E) 27.2 eV

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The potential energy of an electron in the ground state of the hydrogen atom is -27.2 eV. This is because the total energy is -13.6 eV, and the kinetic energy is +13.6 eV, making the potential energy twice the total energy but negative.

The Potential Energy of an Electron in the Ground State