Question

The total energy of an electron in the second excited state of the hydrogen atom is about $-1.5eV$. The kinetic energy and potential energy of the electron in this state are:

• A. $1.5eV$ and $-3eV$
• B. $-1.5eV$ and $-1.5eV$
• C. $3eV$ and $-4.5eV$
• D. $-0.75eV$ and $-0.75eV$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $1.5eV$ and $-3eV$

For an electron in an atom Total energy = Kinetic energy + Potential energy.

From Bohr's model,

Potential energy $=(-2)\times$ Kinetic energy ,

So, Total energy $=$ Kinetic energy $-2$ Kinetic energy

Hence, Kinetic energy $=1.5eV$ and Potential energy $=-3.0eV$