Question

What does negative total energy imply for the electron?

Options

• The electron is bound to the nucleus.

• The electron would not follow a closed orbit around the nucleus.

• The electrostatic potential energy is positive.

• The electrostatic force is in the positive \[r\] direction.

Answer 1

Negative total energy implies that the electron is bound to the nucleus. This is the energy condition described for the revolving electron in a hydrogen atom.