I keep getting “Bohr model” questions wrong in Modern Physics. What's the trap?
using a positive energy for a bound electron — bound states are negative.
The usual trap: using a positive energy for a bound electron — bound states are negative. How to avoid it: the electron is most tightly bound (most negative) in n=1. Go back to the definition — electrons occupy quantised orbits; for hydrogen E_n = −13.6/n² eV.
Key point
Bohr model
Common mistake
using a positive energy for a bound electron — bound states are negative.
Memory tip
the electron is most tightly bound (most negative) in n=1.
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