The inverse square law in electrostatic is F=e2(4πε0)r2 for the force between an electron and a proton. The (1r) dependence of F can be understood in quantum theory as being due to the fact that the particle of light (photon) is massless. If photons had a mass mp, the force would be modified to F=e2(4πε0)r[1r2+λr]·exp(-λr) where λ=mpcħ and ħ=h2π. Estimate the change in the ground state energy of a H-atom if mp were 10-6 times the mass of an electron.

Hint: The electrostatic force provides the required centripetal force.
Step 1: Find the wavelength.
For mp=10-6times the mass of an electron, the energy associated with it is given by-
mpc2=10-6×electron mass×c2
10-6×0.5MeV
10-6×0.5×1.6×10-23
0.8×10-19J
The wavelength associated with it is given by:
ħmpc=ħcmpc2=10-34×3×1080.8×10-19
4×10-7m>>Bohrradius
Step 2: Find the potential energy.
F=e24πε0[1r2+λr]exp(-λr)
where,λ-1=ħmpc4×10-7m>>rB
λ<<1rBi.e.,λrB<<1
U(r)=-e24πε0·exp(-λr)r
mvr=ħv=ħmr
Alsomv2r=(e24πε0)[1r2+λr]
ħ2mr3=(e24πε0)[1r2+λr]
ħ2m=(e24πε0)[r+πr2]
ifλ=0;r=rB=ħm·4πε0e2
ħ2m=e24πε0·r
Since,λ-1>>r,putr=rB+δ
rB=rB+δ+λ(rB2+δ2+2δrB);neglectδ2
or0=λrB2+δ(1+2λrB)
δ=-λrB21+2λrBλrB2(1-2λrB)=-λrB2
Since,λrB<<1
V(r)=-e24πε0·exp(-λδ-λrB)rB+δ
V(r)=-e24πε01rB[(1-δrB)·(1-λrB)]
(-27.2eV) remains unchanged
Step 3:Findthekineticenergy.
KE=-12mv2=12m·ħ2m2r2=ħ22mrB+δ2=ħ22mrB21+δrB-2=ħ22mrB21-2δrB
Totalenergy=-e24πε0rB+ħ22mrB2[1+2λrB]
=-27.2+13.6[1+2λrB]eV
Changeinenergy=1.36×2λrBeV=27.2λrBeV