Does a high emf excite electrons?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that an electromotive force (emf) of 108.8 V applied to a lithium wire does not excite electrons to the n = 2 energy level, as an electron volt (eV) is a measure of energy, not voltage. In solid lithium, the outer electrons behave differently than in isolated lithium atoms, forming bands of closely spaced energy levels due to their pooled nature. This pooling results in the conduction of electricity and atomic bonding, which is distinct from the energy levels of individual atoms.

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  • Understanding of electron volts (eV) as a unit of energy
  • Knowledge of energy levels in atomic and solid-state physics
  • Familiarity with the concept of electron pooling in solid materials
  • Basic principles of electromotive force (emf) in electrical circuits
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Northprairieman
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The n = 2 energy level of lithium is 108.8 eV away from the n = 1 energy level. Does that mean, in a DC circuit, that if you put an emf of 108.8 V along a lithium wire, that the high voltage will excite an electron to the n = 2 level?
 
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Nope, an electron volt is a unit of energy, not of electric potential (voltage).
 
In solid lithium, the energy levels of the 'outer' electrons are quite different from what they are in a lithium atom. In the solid these electrons are 'pooled' and lose their allegiance to particular atoms. These pooled electrons are responsible for the bonding of the atoms, and for the conduction of electricity. Their energy levels form bands of extremely closely spaced levels.
 

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