Problem 5 - Chemistry A Guided Inquiry

Question

Recall that a \({ }^{1} \mathrm{H}\) atom consists of a proton as the nucleus and an electron outside of the nucleus. Is the potential energy, \(V\), of a hydrogen atom a positive or negative number? Explain your answer.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The potential energy, \(V\), of a hydrogen atom is a negative number, as it indicates a bound state due to the attractive force between the positively-charged proton and negatively-charged electron.

Step 1: Understand the basic structure of a Hydrogen Atom

A Hydrogen atom is composed of a central proton (nucleus), and an electron which orbits around the nucleus. The proton is positively charged, and the electron holds a negative charge.

Step 2: Discuss the concept of Potential Energy

Potential energy refers to the energy possessed by an object due to its position relative to other objects. In the context of a hydrogen atom, it refers to the energy between the electron and the proton.

Step 3: Apply Potential Energy to Atom structure

Considering the attractive force that exists between the negatively-charged electron and the positively-charged proton, potential energy is negative because it would require energy to separate these two particles that are attracted to each other. The potential energy being negative indicates that the system is in a bound state.