Explore the Bohr Model of Hydrogen
Make the electron jump between energy levels and see the photons absorbed and emitted. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Bohr Model of Hydrogen with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Bohr Model of Hydrogen?
Make the electron jump between energy levels and see the photons absorbed and emitted. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
The Bohr model explains atomic spectra used in astronomy, lasers, neon signs and LED lighting.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Electrons in an atom can only have certain energies: the energy levels.
Jumping down releases a photon; jumping up needs a photon of exactly the right energy.
For hydrogen, E = −13.6 eV / n².
Jump from n = 3 to 2 and see red light.
Try n = 6 to 2.
Make a Lyman (UV) transition.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Atomic & Quantum learners
Advanced high-school and university students in chemistry and physics, and curious learners who want to see how the atomic world behaves.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Bohr Model of Hydrogen on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Try n = 6 to 2. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why do atoms emit only certain colours?
Because electrons can only drop between fixed energy levels, so each jump releases a photon of one specific energy and colour.
What is the Balmer series?
Transitions from higher levels down to n = 2. Four of them are visible: red, cyan, blue and violet.
Is the Bohr Model of Hydrogen free to use?
Yes. The Bohr Model of Hydrogen is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Atomic & Quantum group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Bohr Model of Hydrogen work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Bohr Model of Hydrogen takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 1 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Bohr Model of Hydrogen?
1. In the Bohr Model of Hydrogen, use the controls to change Jump to energy level. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Bohr Model of Hydrogen, pick an option such as n = 1, n = 2, n = 3, n = 4 to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Bohr Model of Hydrogen, press "Random drop", "Clear spectrum" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Jump from n = 3 to 2 and see red light. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Bohr Model of Hydrogen responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Electrons in an atom can only have certain energies: the energy levels.
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Make the electron jump between energy levels and see the photons absorbed and emitted. Free to use.
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