Question:medium

If \(r_p\) and \(r_H\) are the radius and \(E_p\) and \(E_H\) are the energy of an electron in the \(n\) orbit of positronium atom and hydrogen atom, respectively, then:

Show Hint

Positronium has reduced mass \(m_e/2\); radius scales as \(1/\mu\) and energy as \(\mu\).
Updated On: Jul 2, 2026
  • \(r_p = 2r_H\) and \(E_p = E_H/2\)
  • \(r_p = 2r_H\) and \(E_p = 2E_H\)
  • \(r_p = 2r_H\) and \(E_p = E_H/4\)
  • \(r_p = r_H\) and \(E_p = 2E_H\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Both the orbital size and the level energy in a hydrogen-like two-body system are governed by the reduced mass $\mu$, so the whole comparison reduces to comparing $\mu$ for the two atoms.

For ordinary hydrogen the nucleus (proton) is about 1836 times heavier than the electron, so the reduced mass is essentially the electron mass, $\mu_H \approx m_e$.

Positronium has two particles of equal mass $m_e$, so its reduced mass is exactly half the electron mass: $\mu_p = m_e/2$. This is the single fact that drives everything.

Radius: the Bohr radius is inversely proportional to reduced mass, $r \propto 1/\mu$. Halving $\mu$ doubles $r$, so $r_p = 2 r_H$.

Energy: the level energy is directly proportional to reduced mass, $E \propto \mu$. Halving $\mu$ halves the energy magnitude, so $E_p = E_H/2$.

Both conditions match option (A). \[\boxed{r_p = 2r_H \text{ and } E_p = E_H/2}\]
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