The Quantum Condition That Should Have Been Assumed by Bohr When Deriving the Energy Levels of a Hydrogen Atom

Bohr assumed a quantum condition when deriving the energy levels of a hydrogen atom. This famous quantum condition was not derived logically, but it beautifully explained the energy levels of the hydrogen atom. Therefore, Bohr’s quantum condition was accepted by physicists. However, the energy levels predicted by the eventually completed quantum mechanics do not match perfectly with the predictions of Bohr. For this reason, it cannot be said that Bohr’s quantum condition is a perfectly correct assumption. Since the mass of an electron which moves inside a hydrogen atom varies, Bohr’s quantum condition must be revised. However, the newly derived relativistic quantum condition is too complex to be assumed at the beginning. The velocity of an electron in a hydrogen atom is known as the Bohr velocity. This velocity can be derived from the formula for energy levels derived by Bohr. The velocity v of an electron including the principal quantum number n is given by αc/n. This paper elucidates the fact that this formula is built into Bohr’s quantum condition. It is also concluded in this paper that it is precisely this velocity formula that is the quantum condition that should have been assumed in the first place by Bohr. From Bohr’s quantum condition, it is impossible to derive the relativistic energy levels of a hydrogen atom, but they can be derived from the new quantum condition. This paper proposes raising the status of the previously-known Bohr velocity formula.

Non-integer Quantum Transition, a True Non-perturbation Effect in Laser-Atom Interaction

We show that in the quantum transition of an atom interacting with an intense laser of circular frequency ω, the energy difference between the initial and the final states of the atom is not necessarily an integer multiple of the quantum energy hω. This kind of non-integer transition is a true non-perturbation effect in laser-atom interaction.

Electron Mass in an Atom Is Less than Rest Mass

Einstein’s energy-momentum relationship is a formula that typifies the special theory of relativity (STR). According to the STR, when the velocity of a moving body increases, so does the mass of the body. The STR asserts that the mass of a body depends of the velocity at which the body moves. However, when energy is imparted to a body, this relation holds because kinetic energy increases. When the motion of an electron in an atom is discussed at the level of classical quantum theory, the kinetic energy of the electron is increased due to the emission of energy. At this time, the relativistic energy of the electron decreases, and the mass of the electron also decreases. The STR is not applicable to an electron in an atom. This paper derives an energy-momentum relationship applicable to an electron in an atom. The formula which determines the mass of an electron in an atom is also derived by using that relationship.

Previously Unknown Formulas for the Relativistic Kinetic Energy of an Electron in a Hydrogen Atom

Einstein’s energy-momentum relationship, which holds in an isolated system in free space, contains two formulas for relativistic kinetic energy. Einstein’s relationship is not applicable in a hydrogen atom, where potential energy is present. However, a relationship similar to that can be derived. That derived relationship also contains two formulas, for the relativistic kinetic energy of an electron in a hydrogen atom. Furthermore, it is possible to derive a third formula for the relativistic kinetic energy of an electron from that relationship. Next, the paper looks at the fact that the electron has a wave nature. Five more formulas can be derived based on considerations relating to the phase velocity and group velocity of the electron. This paper presents eight formulas for the relativistic kinetic energy of an electron in a hydrogen atom.