Question:

Which of the following is the correct unit of angular momentum of an electron in an orbital of an atom?

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Planck's constant ($h$) has units of "action," which is Energy $\times$ Time (J s). Since angular momentum is expressed in units of $h$, its unit is J s.
Updated On: May 1, 2026
  • J s
  • J s
  • W s$^2$
  • W s
  • J s$^2$
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Angular momentum ($L$) for an electron in an atom is quantized and given by Bohr's second postulate as $L = \frac{nh}{2\pi}$. The units of angular momentum are the same as the units of Planck's constant ($h$).

Step 1:
{Analyze the formula for angular momentum.}
Angular momentum is defined as $L = mvr$.
• Mass ($m$) is in $kg$
• Velocity ($v$) is in $m/s$
• Radius ($r$) is in $m$ Units of $L = kg \cdot m^2 / s$.

Step 2:
{Relate Joules to the base units.}
Energy (Joule) is work done, $J = N \cdot m = (kg \cdot m / s^2) \cdot m = kg \cdot m^2 / s^2$.

Step 3:
{Match units.}
Multiply $J$ by $s$: $$J \cdot s = (kg \cdot m^2 / s^2) \cdot s = kg \cdot m^2 / s$$ This matches the units of angular momentum.
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