Modern Physics
Electron Orbital Radius
The radius of electron orbits in hydrogen-like atoms. Larger n means larger orbits; larger Z means smaller orbits due to stronger nuclear attraction.
Variables
r_nm
Orbital radius
nunitless
Principal quantum number
a_0m
Bohr radius (5.29 × 10⁻¹¹ m)
Zunitless
Atomic number
Derivation
From Bohr model with nuclear charge Z modifying the Coulomb force.
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Common questions
What is the Electron Orbital Radius formula?
Electron Orbital Radius is written rₙ = n² a₀/Z. The radius of electron orbits in hydrogen-like atoms. Larger n means larger orbits; larger Z means smaller orbits due to stronger nuclear attraction. It belongs to Modern Physics, under Atomic Physics.
What are the units in rₙ = n² a₀/Z?
In SI units, r_n is orbital radius, measured in m; n is principal quantum number (dimensionless); a_0 is bohr radius (5.29 × 10⁻¹¹ m), measured in m; Z is atomic number (dimensionless).
How is the Electron Orbital Radius formula derived?
From Bohr model with nuclear charge Z modifying the Coulomb force. The result is rₙ = n² a₀/Z.