Question

The kinetic energy of an electron in the ground level in hydrogen atom is K units. The values of its potential energy and total energy respectively are_______
Fill in the blank with the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. -2K; -K
• B. +2K; -K
• C. -K; +2K
• D. +K; +2K

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The total energy \(E\) of an electron in an atom is the sum of its kinetic energy \(K\) and potential energy \(U\), expressed as \(E = K + U\). For an electron in a hydrogen atom, the following relationships are established:

• The kinetic energy \(K\) is equivalent to \(-\frac{1}{2}E\).
• The potential energy \(U\) is the negative of twice the kinetic energy, i.e., \(U = -2K\).

If the kinetic energy of the electron is \(K\), its potential energy is calculated as:

\[-2K\]

Consequently, the total energy \(E\) can be expressed in terms of kinetic energy as:

\[E = K + (-2K) = -K\]

Therefore, the potential and total energies are:

Potential Energy: -2K

Total Energy: -K

The resulting values are: -2K; -K