H-Atom ($E_{n}=-\frac{hR}{n^{2}}$)

Lauryn Jordan 1F
Posts: 76
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:07 am

What is the significance/origin of the negative sign in Bohr's equation: En=-hR/n^2

MichelleT_1L
Posts: 20
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:04 am

### Re: Negative Sign in Bohr's Equation

The negative sign in Bohr's equation is there because E=0 when the electron and neutron are separated completely (when the electron is free). So, as they get closer (or get lower in orbitals), they are losing energy and therefore the energy calculated when doing Bohr's equation is negative.

Jessica Jones 2B
Posts: 80
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:04 am

### Re: Negative Sign in Bohr's Equation

When n=infinity, E=0, and as the energy levels descend, your energy will always be a more negative number.

Jessica_Singh_1J
Posts: 50
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:03 am

### Re: Negative Sign in Bohr's Equation

Bohr assumed that when an electron is removed completely, the energy of the system is 0. However, when the electron is still around the nucleus, the system is more stable and thus at a lower energy. Thus, there is a negative sign in front of the equation.

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