What Chem 133 Homework 6 Due 05162014 For The Hydrogen Atom

Wha Chem 133 Homework 6 Due 051620141 For The Hydrogen Atoma Wha

Analyze various quantum properties of the hydrogen atom by calculating expectation values, probabilities, and examining wave functions related to different quantum states. Explore the degeneracy of energy levels, angular momentum orientations, and the behavior of orbitals. Extend the understanding to hypothetical superheavy elements and classical-quantum analogies such as the Earth-Sun system. Provide detailed calculations, explanations, and conceptual insights based on quantum mechanics principles and hydrogen atom models.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The hydrogen atom remains a fundamental system in quantum mechanics, providing critical insights into atomic structure, wave functions, and energy quantization. This paper addresses several analytical problems related to the hydrogen atom’s electron-nucleus separation, probability distributions, wave function evolution, orbital degeneracies, and extends concepts to extraordinary scenarios such as superheavy elements and planetary analogs. Through rigorous calculations, the aim is to deepen the understanding of atomic properties, quantum behavior, and classical analogy applications.

Part 1: Expectation Values of Electron-Nucleus Separation in Hydrogen States

In quantum mechanics, the expectation value of the electron-nucleus distance (r) provides a statistical average of how far the electron is from the nucleus in a given state. For the hydrogen atom, the wave functions for the 1s and 2s states are well established. Using the radial parts of these wave functions and the integral formula provided, the expectation value of r, denoted as ⟨r⟩, is computed.

For the 1s state (n=1, l=0), the radial wave function is:

\[ R_{10}(r) = 2 \left( \frac{1}{a_0} \right)^{3/2} e^{-r/a_0} \]

The expectation value ⟨r⟩ is calculated via:

\[ \left\langle r \right\rangle = \int_0^\infty r |R_{10}(r)|^2 r^2 dr \]

which simplifies to a known result:

\[ \left\langle r \right\rangle_{1s} = \frac{3a_0}{2} \]

Similarly, for the 2s state:

\[ R_{20}(r) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \left( \frac{1}{a_0} \right)^{3/2} \left( 1 - \frac{r}{2a_0} \right) e^{-r/2a_0} \]

Its expectation value ⟨r⟩ turns out to be:

\[ \left\langle r \right\rangle_{2s} = 5a_0/2 \]

The most probable distances are obtained from the maxima of the radial probability densities, which for the 1s state occurs at \( r = a_0 \), and for the 2s state at \( r = 4a_0 \).

Part 2: Expectation Values in Hydrogen 2s and 2p States

The calculation of ⟨r⟩ and ⟨r^2⟩ involves radial integrals of the wave functions. For the 2s and 2p states, the radial functions are known, and the integrals yield:

\[ \left\langle r \right\rangle_{2s} = 5a_0/2 \]

\[ \left\langle r^2 \right\rangle_{2s} = 23a_0^2/2 \]

Similarly, for 2p states, the expectation values are calculated, showing differences specifically in ⟨x⟩ and ⟨x^2⟩, reflecting angular dependence. The expectation value of 1/r computed via direct integration and the virial theorem confirms that:

\[ \left\langle \frac{1}{r} \right\rangle \approx 1/(a_0 n^2) \]

and demonstrates that:

\[ \frac{1}{⟨r⟩} \neq ⟨1/r⟩ \]

This discrepancy is fundamental in quantum statistical reasoning.

Part 3: Superposition of Hydrogen Wave Functions and Expectation Values

The given initial wave function involves a superposition of states with different quantum numbers. The expectation value of energy for the superposed state is a weighted average of the energies, determined by the coefficients:

\[ E_{n} = -\frac{13.6\,eV}{n^2} \]

Thus, the expectation value ⟨E⟩ becomes:

\[ \left\langle E \right\rangle = |c_1|^2 E_{2} + |c_2|^2 E_{3} \]

The probability of finding the system with specific quantum numbers involves the angular parts as well, leading to time-dependent behaviors expressed through phase factors \( e^{-i E t / \hbar} \).

For the probability within a small radius, integrating the probability density over volume yields the likelihood of electron proximity near the nucleus, which is highest at \( t=0 \).

The wave function evolution over time includes the phase factors for each component—resulting in time-dependent interference effects.

Post-measurement wave functions collapse into eigenstates corresponding to observed quantum numbers, modeled by the projection onto the relevant eigenfunction.

Part 4: Angular Momentum Vector Orientation

Analysis of the (4, l, m) orbital involves calculating the angle between the angular momentum vector \( \vec{L} \) and the xy-plane. The expectation values of \(L_z\) indicate the magnetic quantum number, and the total angular momentum magnitude is:

\[ |\vec{L}| = \hbar \sqrt{l(l+1)} \]

The angle \( \theta \) relative to the xy-plane follows from:

\[ \cos \theta = \frac{\langle L_z \rangle}{|\vec{L}|} \]

which yields the spatial orientation of the orbital angular momentum.

Part 5: Degeneracy of Hydrogen Energy Levels

The degeneracy of each energy level depends on the principal quantum number \(n\) and orbital quantum number \(l\). For hydrogen, degeneracy equals:

\[ g_n = 2n^2 \]

including all possible m and l states. The most probable point of the 2p electron's location corresponds to the maximum of the radial and angular distribution functions, typically occurring at the Bohr radius, \( a_0 \), for the p orbital.

Part 6: True or False Statements in Quantum Mechanics

Examining statements about wave functions, operators, and properties of the hydrogen atom tests fundamental quantum principles. For example:

- The form of wave functions for central potential problems aligns with spherical harmonics.

- The angular momentum operators commute with the Hamiltonian, reflecting conservation.

- Non-interacting particles' wave functions are products, not sums, of individual states.

- The reduced mass relates directly to the two-particle system and is less than either constituent mass.

The analysis reinforces core quantum mechanics concepts, including operators, eigenvalues, and probability distributions.

Part 7: Energy Levels and Mixing of Hydrogen Orbitals

Superpositions of hydrogen orbitals with different energies indicate the non-uniqueness of p orbitals’ energetic designation. Mixed states give rise to superposition energy values, reflecting the non-degenerate or degenerate nature of the orbitals involved.

Part 8: Hypothetical Superheavy Element with Z=126

Estimating the innermost electron distance involves extending Coulomb interaction assumptions. The "Bohr radius" for such an atom diminishes with increasing nuclear charge:

\[ r_n = \frac{n^2 a_0}{Z} \]

For \( Z=126 \), the innermost electrons are predicted to be extremely close to the nucleus, with radii on the order of femtometers, implying strong relativistic effects and challenging quantum electrodynamic models.

Part 9: Gravitational Analog of the Hydrogen Atom

Treating the Earth-Sun system as a gravitational hydrogen-like system:

- The potential energy function is:

\[ V(r) = -\frac{GMm}{r} \]

- The gravitational "Bohr radius" is derived similarly, yielding an exceptionally large value, approximately the size of the solar system, when considering classical parameters.

- The quantum number \( n \) for Earth in this model is astronomically high, around \( 10^{26} \), indicating a classical regime.

- Transitioning between levels involves incredibly small energy releases, with emitted wavelengths spanning light-years if interpreted quantum mechanically, highlighting the classical-quantum transition boundaries.

Conclusion

The exploration of hydrogen atom properties reveals fundamental quantum principles, including expectation values, degeneracies, and orbital characteristics. Extending these concepts to hypothetical elements and classical analogs emphasizes the breadth of quantum theory and its limits in explaining atomic and planetary phenomena. These analyses reinforce the importance of wave functions, symmetry, and quantum states in understanding the microscopic and macroscopic worlds.

References

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