Question

The total energy of the electron revolving around the nucleus is:
(A) Zero
(B) Less than zero
(C) More than zero
(D) In some atoms less than zero and in certain atoms more than zero

Answer 1

The electron is always revolving around the nucleus of an atom. If the electron has some energy more than zero then there is a chance that electron may escape from the orbit around the nucleus.

Complete step by step solution:
-We know that electrons have a negative charge and nuclei have a positive charge.
-The charge of the nucleus is positive due to the presence of protons in the nucleus.
-So, the negatively charged electron revolves around the orbit of a positively charged nucleus.
-The electron is going to be held in the nucleus by electrostatic force.
-To remove the electron from the atom energy must be supplied.
-Now, coming to the formula of the total energy of an electron
${{E}_{t}}=\text{ -13}\text{.6 }\dfrac{{{Z}^{2}}}{{{n}^{2}}}$
-By substituting all the values in the formula we will get a negative value.
-So, the energy of the electron revolving around the nucleus is a negative value meaning less than zero.
-If the electron has energy more than zero, it can escape or come out of the atom very easily. -If it happens the atom won’t exist.

So, the correct option is (B). Less than zero.

Note: The electrons revolve around the nucleus in an orbit without losing its energy. so, the orbitals are called stationary orbitals. The electrons are going to be held by the nucleus in the stationary orbits due to the presence of positively charged protons in the nucleus. The positively charged nucleus is going to hold the negatively charged electrons.