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Quantum & Atomic Physics

Bohr Model

An early semi-classical atomic model proposing that electrons orbit the atomic nucleus only in discrete stationary orbits with quantized angular momentum.

Governing formula L = m v r = n ℏ, E_n = -13.6 eV / n²
SI unit eV (Energy), m (Orbit Radius)

In depth

Introduced by Niels Bohr in 1913, this model successfully explained hydrogen atomic spectral lines by postulating that electrons do not radiate energy while in stable stationary orbits, but emit or absorb photons of frequency ν = ΔE / h when jumping between orbits.

Examples in the real world

Calculating the Bohr radius (a₀ ≈ 0.529 Å) and predicting the spectral wavelengths of the single-electron hydrogen atom.