Negative Energy: Understanding Hydrogen's Electron

The video explains why the energy of an electron in a ground state hydrogen atom is negative. It compares a free electron, which is at an infinite distance from the nucleus and has zero energy, to an electron in an orbit under nuclear influence, which has negative energy. The video calculates the energy for both scenarios, showing that the bound electron is more stable due to its lower energy. This stability is contrasted with the instability of a free electron, leading to the conclusion that electrons prefer to exist in stable orbits rather than as free electrons.

What is the energy of a free electron in a hydrogen atom?

• Infinite energy

• Positive energy

• Zero energy

• Negative energy

Why is a free electron considered to have zero energy?

• Because it is infinitely separated from the nucleus

• Because it has negative energy

• Because it is under nuclear influence

• Because it is in the K shell

What is the energy value of an electron in the K shell of a hydrogen atom?

• -1.18 x 10^-18 Joules

• 2.18 x 10^-18 Joules

• -2.18 x 10^-18 Joules

• 0 Joules

What does a negative energy value indicate about an electron in an orbit?

• It has higher energy

• It is ionized

• It is more stable

• It is less stable

Which of the following statements is true about the stability of electrons in hydrogen?

• Free electrons are more stable than electrons in an orbit.

• Free electrons have negative energy.

• Electrons in an orbit are more stable due to lower energy.

• Electrons in an orbit have higher energy than free electrons.