Calculating Remaining Kinetic Energy After Excited State

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a hydrogen atom initially in its ground state and an electron with a kinetic energy of 10.6 eV colliding with it, resulting in an inquiry about the remaining kinetic energy of the electron after the collision. The context is centered around concepts of kinetic energy and ionization energy in atomic physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the kinetic energy of the colliding electron and the ionization energy of the hydrogen atom. Questions arise regarding how the initial kinetic energy of 10.6 eV interacts with the ionization energy of -13.6 eV and the implications for the electron's remaining energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the energy values involved. Some guidance has been provided regarding the significance of the ionization energy, but clarity on how to apply the kinetic energy in this context remains to be fully established.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the ground state corresponding to n = 1, and the ionization energy is noted as a critical factor in the discussion. Participants are also questioning how the initial kinetic energy of the electron factors into the overall energy balance.

fball558
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Excited state??

Homework Statement



Initially a hydrogen atom is in its ground stat. An electron with kinetic energy 10.6 eV collides with the atom and excites it. What is the remaining kinetic energy of the electron?

A. 13.6
B. 23.9
C. 3.0
D. .4
E. .6

the answer is .6 eV but not sure how they got this.
im reviewing for an exam so any help would be great.

i was thinking this has something to do with the equation

E = (-13.6 eV)/(n^2)
but don't know how to use this in this case??
 
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well the 13.6 represents the ionisation energy for hydrogen, and n represents the orbital number =]
 


RoryP said:
well the 13.6 represents the ionisation energy for hydrogen, and n represents the orbital number =]


yeah i got that part, but where does the 10.6 eV come into play?
in the equation the only unknown you could possibly solve for is the n or E. but ground state meand n = 1 right so E would just be -13.6
 


Nooo the 13.6 is the total amount of energy you would need to excite an electron from ground state to leaving the atom completely! Hence ionization energy :)
 

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