Maximum Kinetic Energy of Photoelectrons from Irradiated Hydrogen Atoms

In summary, a sample of hydrogen atoms were irradiated with light of wavelength 85.5 nm, causing electrons to be observed leaving the gas. In part (a), it was asked what the maximum kinetic energy in electron volts would be for these photoelectrons if each hydrogen atom was initially in its ground level, with the answer being 0.9 eV. In part (b), it was noted that a few electrons were detected with energies that were 10.2 eV higher than the maximum kinetic energy calculated in part (a). This can be explained by the uncertainty in the energy of the electrons, as hydrogen atoms in a gas are not fixed in place and at rest.
  • #1
kent davidge
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Homework Statement



A sample of hydrogen atoms is irradiated with light with wavelength 85.5 nm, and electrons are observed leaving the gas.

(a) If each hydrogen atom were initially in its ground level, what would be the maximum kinetic energy in electron volts of these photoelectrons? 0.9 eV
(b) A few electrons are detected with energies as much as 10.2 eV greater than the maximum kinetic energy calculated in part (a). How can this be?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
For the answer of part (b) Is it correct to say that it's caused by the uncertainty in the Energy of the electrons?

 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Think about what a gas is. Are all the atoms fixed in place and at rest?
 
  • #3
gneill said:
Think about what a gas is. Are all the atoms fixed in place and at rest?
hehe, I just realized it. Thank you.
 

1. What is kinetic energy of electrons?

Kinetic energy of electrons is the energy that an electron possesses due to its motion. It is a form of energy that is associated with the movement of particles.

2. How is kinetic energy of electrons related to their speed?

The kinetic energy of electrons is directly proportional to their speed. As the speed of an electron increases, its kinetic energy also increases.

3. Can kinetic energy of electrons be calculated?

Yes, the kinetic energy of electrons can be calculated using the equation E= 1/2 mv², where E represents kinetic energy, m represents the mass of the electron, and v represents its velocity.

4. What factors affect the kinetic energy of electrons?

The kinetic energy of electrons is affected by their mass and velocity. The mass of an electron is constant, but its velocity can be influenced by external factors such as electric fields and collisions with other particles.

5. Why is the kinetic energy of electrons important?

The kinetic energy of electrons is important because it determines their behavior and interactions with other particles. It is also a crucial concept in understanding various phenomena in physics, such as electricity and magnetism.

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