What Is This Tool?
This unit converter transforms length measurements from the atomic unit of length (a.u., Bohr radius) to the classical electron radius. It helps users express atomic-scale distances in terms of a classical electromagnetic scattering length scale widely used in physics calculations.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the length value in a.u. of length (Bohr radius).
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Select the input unit as a.u. of length and output unit as Electron radius (classical).
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Click the convert button to get the equivalent length in electron radii.
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Review results helpful for bridging atomic physics and classical scattering contexts.
Key Features
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Converts a.u. of length to the classical electron radius effortlessly.
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Browser-based and user-friendly interface.
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Offers quick conversions essential for atomic, plasma, and astrophysical physics.
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Supports both scientific research and educational uses.
Examples
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1 a.u. of length = 18778.8624 Electron radius (classical)
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0.5 a.u. of length = 9389.4312 Electron radius (classical)
Common Use Cases
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Describing electron orbital sizes and radial distributions in atomic physics.
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Expressing atomic and molecular geometries in quantum chemistry computations.
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Calculating Thomson scattering cross sections in radiation physics.
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Normalizing electromagnetic interaction lengths in particle physics models.
Tips & Best Practices
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Use this conversion when bridging quantum atomic units with classical electromagnetic scales.
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Be mindful that the classical electron radius is a theoretical length scale, not a physical electron size.
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Apply conversions within contexts of atomic, plasma, astrophysical, and radiation physics for meaningful results.
Limitations
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The classical electron radius does not represent a literal physical size of the electron.
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It is derived from classical formulas and differs fundamentally from quantum mechanical length scales like the Bohr radius.
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Conversion should be applied with understanding of its theoretical context and limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does 1 a.u. of length represent?
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It represents the Bohr radius, which is the characteristic atomic length scale equal to the mean electron–proton separation in ground state hydrogen within quantum mechanics.
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Is the classical electron radius the actual size of an electron?
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No, it is a derived length scale representing the distance where electrostatic self-energy equals electron rest energy and serves as a characteristic scattering length.
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Why convert from a.u. of length to Electron radius (classical)?
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This conversion helps connect atomic-scale lengths to classical electromagnetic scattering lengths, facilitating calculations in physics and quantum chemistry.
Key Terminology
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a.u. of length (Bohr radius)
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The atomic unit of length equal to the mean electron–proton separation in hydrogen, used to express atomic-scale distances.
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Classical electron radius
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A characteristic length scale derived classically representing the electrostatic self-energy distance, used in scattering and electromagnetic interaction calculations.
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Thomson scattering
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The elastic scattering of electromagnetic radiation by a free charged particle, with cross-section related to the classical electron radius.