How Is Kinetic Energy Calculated in the Photoelectric Effect?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the kinetic energy of the ejected electron in the photoelectric effect, start with the equation E = W + KE, where E is the energy of the incoming photon (15.2 eV) and W is the work function or binding energy of the electron in the hydrogen atom. The binding energy for the ground state of hydrogen is approximately 13.6 eV. Subtract the binding energy from the photon energy to find the kinetic energy: KE = 15.2 eV - 13.6 eV, resulting in a kinetic energy of 1.6 eV for the ejected electron. Understanding the conservation of energy principle is key to solving this problem.
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Homework Statement


A photon with an energy of 15.2 eV enters a hydrogen atom in the ground state and ionizes it. With what kinetic energy will the electron be ejected from the atom?


Homework Equations


Photoelectric Effect equations.


The Attempt at a Solution


E=W+KE

I don't understand how to find the Kinetic Energy with the information I'm given. I need to understand this by tomorrow, so can someone please explain it to me and walk me through the problem ASAP?

Thank you in advance.
 
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Conservation of energy is all you need. At the beginning, you have a 15.2 eV photon and a second electron in the ground state (what's its energy?). At the end, the photon has been absorbed and all you have is one free electron.
 
yes, the electron is bound to the proton with a certain energy. you must supply this much to break it free, any extra goes to KE of the electron.
 

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