An electron in a hydrogen atom moves in a circle of radius 1.1 x 10^-1⁰ m at a speed of about 1.6 x 10⁶ m/s.What is the magnetic dipole moment of this electron due to its orbital motion?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnetic dipole moment due to orbital motion is given by μ = IA, where I is the current or the rate of charge flow and A is the area of the circular loop. Using the equation for centripetal force, F = mv²/r, we can find the current as I = ev/2πr, where e is the charge of the electron. Substituting this in the expression for μ, we get μ = (e/2m)(vr²) = (e/2m)(1.1 x 10^-10 m)(1.6 x 10^6 m/s)^2 = 1.41 x 10^-23 J/T. The correct answer is therefore B, 1.4 x 10^-23 J/T.

An Electron in a Hydrogen Atom Moves in a Circle