Question

Would the Bohr formula for the H-atom remain unchanged if proton had a charge (+4/3)e and electron a charge (−3/4)e, where e = 1.6 × 10^–19C. Give reasons for your answer.

Answer 1

According to Bohr, for an electron around a stationary nucleus, the electrostatic force of attraction provides the necessary centripetal force.

i.e. `1/(4πε_0) (q_1q_2)/r^2 = (mv^2)/r` ......(i)

Hence the magnitude of electrostatic force F ∞ q₁ x q₂

If the proton had a charge (+4/3)e and the electron a charge (−3/4)e, then the Bohr formula for the H-atom remains the same, since the Bohr formula involves only the product of the charges which remain constant for given values of charges.