Question

What is the source of centripetal force, when an electron revolves around the nucleus?

Answer 1

Centripetal force :

1. It is defined as the force that makes a body follow a curved path.
2. Its direction is orthogonal to the motion of the body and towards the fixed point of the center of curve path.
3. The mathematical expression of centripetal force is, ${\mathrm{F}}_{\mathrm{c}}=\frac{{\mathrm{mv}}^2}{\mathrm{r}}$, where ${\mathrm{F}}_{\mathrm{c}}$ = centripetal force, $\mathrm{m}$= mass of object, $\mathrm{v}$= velocity of object , $\mathrm{r}$= radius of orbital path.

An illustrative diagram of the centripetal force :

The centripetal force between nucleus and electron :

1. The electrostatic force of attraction between the positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons provides the necessary centripetal force for electrons to revolve around the nucleus.
2. The electrostatic force is defined as attractive or repulsive forces between particles due to their electric charges.

An illustrative diagram of the centripetal force between nucleus and electron :