If the radius of the first orbit of hydrogen atom is , then de Broglie’s wavelength of electron in rd orbit is:
- A
- B
- C
- D
If the radius of the first orbit of hydrogen atom is , then de Broglie’s wavelength of electron in rd orbit is:
Correct answer:C
Standard Method
Given: The radius of the first orbit of hydrogen atom is .
Find: The de Broglie wavelength of electron in the rd orbit.
Use the de Broglie relation mentioned in the solution hint:
For the th orbit of hydrogen atom, the radius is:
So for the rd orbit,
Now apply
Therefore,
Therefore, the de Broglie wavelength is . The correct option is C.
Orbit Formula Shortcut
Given: The first orbit radius is .
Find: The wavelength in the rd orbit.
Using and ,
For ,
This shortcut works because substituting the Bohr radius relation directly into the de Broglie condition reduces the expression to a simple formula in . Hence, the correct option is C.
Using instead of . This is wrong because Bohr orbit radius varies as , not . Always use before substituting.
Using for every orbit. This is incorrect because the standing-wave condition is . The orbit number must be included.
Matching the numerical result with the wrong option by overlooking the factor of or . This happens when algebra is rushed. First compute carefully, then compare with the options.
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