4. In Section 1.3 we used dimensional analysis to show that the size of a hydrogen atom can be understood by assuming that the electron in the atom is wave-like and non-relativistic. In this problem we show that, if we assume the electron in the atom is a classical electron described by the theory of relativity, dimensional analysis gives an atomic size which is four orders of magnitude too small. Consider a relativistic, classical theory of an electron moving in the Coulomb potential of a proton. Such a theory only involves three physical constants: m, /4mc9, and e, the maximum velocity in relativity. Show that it is possible to construct a length from these three physical constants, but show that it too small to characterize the size of the atom.
4. In Section 1.3 we used dimensional analysis to show that the size of a hydrogen atom can be understood by assuming that the electron in the atom is wave-like and non-relativistic. In this problem we show that, if we assume the electron in the atom is a classical electron described by the theory of relativity, dimensional analysis gives an atomic size which is four orders of magnitude too small. Consider a relativistic, classical theory of an electron moving in the Coulomb potential of a proton. Such a theory only involves three physical constants: m, /4mc9, and e, the maximum velocity in relativity. Show that it is possible to construct a length from these three physical constants, but show that it too small to characterize the size of the atom.
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Transcribed Image Text:4. In Section 1.3 we used dimensional analysis to show that the size of a
hydrogen atom can be understood by assuming that the electron in the
atom is wave-like and non-relativistic. In this problem we show that, if we
assume the electron in the atom is a classical electron described by the theory
of relativity, dimensional analysis gives an atomic size which is four orders
of magnitude too small.
Consider a relativistic, classical theory of an electron moving in the
Coulomb potential of a proton. Such a theory only involves three physical
constants: m, /4mc9, and e, the maximum velocity in relativity. Show that
it is possible to construct a length from these three physical constants, but
show that it too small to characterize the size of the atom.
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