IB Physics HL D 2 12 Hl Two Charge Potential Energy Questions

Derive two-charge electric potential energy and total orbital energy, then interpret how energy loss changes an electron’s orbit and wavelength.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • calculate electric potential energy and total orbital energy for an electron or two-charge system using the charge separation and signed energy terms
  • explain how electromagnetic energy emission changes total energy and therefore the orbital radius in an attractive two-charge model
  • interpret orbital energy evidence to connect changes in potential energy, orbital speed and associated de Broglie wavelength

IB Physics HL D 2 12 Hl Two Charge Potential Energy Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 4]

Question (a)

(a)

In a classical model of the singly-ionized helium atom, a single electron orbits the nucleus in a circular orbit of radius r.

Figure for Question (a) — IB Physics HL
[ 4 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Hence, deduce that the total energy of the electron is given by ETOT=ke2rE_{\mathrm{TOT}}=-\frac{k e^{2}}{r}.

[ 2 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

In this model the electron loses energy by emitting electromagnetic waves.

Describe the predicted effect of this emission on the orbital radius of the electron.

[ 2 ]
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