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Bohr’s Atom, the Photon and the [un]certainty Principle

Jean Louis Van Belle

Published Dec 1, 2018• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

This is a didactic exploration of a possible dual interpretation of the Uncertainty Principle as applied to the classical Rutherford-Bohr calculations of the geometry of the hydrogen electron orbitals. It highlights, in particular, a classical mistake in regard to the interpretation of atoms as atomic oscillators – and the calculation of their Q. It also offers a substantial correction to the model of a photon that was presented in a previous paper (The Metaphysics of Physics).

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This is a didactic exploration of a possible dual interpretation of the Uncertainty Principle as applied to the classical Rutherford-Bohr calculations of the geometry of the hydrogen electron orbitals. It highlights, in particular, a classical mistake in regard to the interpretation of atoms as atomic oscillators – and the calculation of their Q. It also offers a substantial correction to the model of a photon that was presented in a previous paper (The Metaphysics of Physics).
This paper further explores a dual interpretation of the Uncertainty Principle as applied to the classical Rutherford-Bohr calculations of the geometry of the hydrogen electron orbitals. It shows the Rutherford-Bohr model has some advantages over the quantum-mechanical model (Schrodinger’s equation for the hydrogen atom). As such, it basically continues a development started in my previous paper (http://vixra.org/abs/1812.0028). What is novel in this paper is the exploration of the mathematical equivalence between both models.
The results of Bohr model can be used to explain the motion of macroscopic objects or big objects (like orbiting planets and sun, falling stone etc.). These macroscopic objects have essentially a particle nature and Newtonian laws of motion can be applied on them. But it fails when applied to explain the motion of microscopic objects or small objects (like electrons, atoms, molecules etc.). This is because: According to Bohr model, an orbit is a well-defined path and this path can completely be defined only if both the position and velocity of the electron are known exactly at the same time. But this is not possible according to the Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. Thus, Bohr model contradicts the Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle . According to Bohr model, an electron is regarded as a charged particle moving in well-defined circular orbits concentric about the nucleus. The wave character of the electron is not considered. Thus, Bohr model ignores the de-Broglie dual nature of matter .
The results of Bohr model can be used to explain the motion of macroscopic objects or big objects (like orbiting planets and sun, falling stone etc.). These macroscopic objects have essentially a particle nature and Newtonian laws of motion can be applied on them. But it fails when applied to explain the motion of microscopic objects or small objects (like electrons, atoms, molecules etc.). This is because: According to Bohr model, an orbit is a well-defined path and this path can completely be defined only if both the position and velocity of the electron are known exactly at the same time. But this is not possible according to the Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. Thus, Bohr model contradicts the Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle . According to Bohr model, an electron is regarded as a charged particle moving in well-defined circular orbits concentric about the nucleus. The wave character of the electron is not considered. Thus, Bohr model ignores the de-Broglie dual nature of matter .
In 1913, Niels Bohr developed an accurate model for the hydrogen atom. The mathematics involved and the simplicity of this model is easily understood. The intention of the paper is not to replace Bohr's model, but to find a similar model for all atoms. The model discussed, which was developed on the same basis as Bohr's model for the hydrogen atom, calculates the radii and the energies of the orbits. The wavelength of an emitted photon when an electron makes a ‘jump’ from a higher state to a lower state can also be calculated from the model. Finally, the paper demonstrates that the model obeys the de Broglie's hypothesis that the moving electron exhibits both wave and particle properties.
A modified uncertainty principle coupling the intervals of energy and time can lead to the shortest distance attained in course of the excitation process, as well as the shortest possible time interval for that process. These lower bounds are much similar to the interval limits deduced on both the experimental and theoretical footing in the era when the Heisenberg uncertainty principle has been developed. In effect of the bounds existence, a maximal nuclear charge Ze acceptable for the Bohr atomic ion could be calculated. In the next step the velocity of electron transitions between the Bohr orbits is found to be close to the speed of light. This result provides us with the energy spectrum of transitions similar to that obtained in the Bohr’s model. A momentary force acting on the electrons in course of their transitions is estimated to be by many orders larger than a steady electrostatic force existent between the atomic electron and the nucleus.
This is a didactic exploration of the basic assumptions and concepts of the Zitterbewegung interpretation of quantum mechanics. Its novelty is in applying the concepts to photons and relating it to other uses of the wavefunction. As such, we could have chosen another title for this paper: the physics of quantum physics. However, we only present interpretations, hypotheses and assumptions. As such, we thought we should stick to the title above: the metaphysics of physics - which sounds somewhat less arrogant.