Estimating atomic 1s orbital radii (Q1821483)

Accurate values for the radii of 1s atomic electrons are calculated by \textit{D. Greenspan} [ibid. 15, 103-108 (1986; Zbl 0589.65040)] by use of a one-parameter, purely radial expression for the electrostatic potential between the two electrons and the electrons and nucleus. This letter provides physical justification for the success of that model and shows that other one-parameter potentials can be constructed that give good results.