Maximum Kinetic Energy of Photoelectrons from Irradiated Hydrogen Atoms

[kent davidge]

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?

 

[gneill]

Think about what a gas is. Are all the atoms fixed in place and at rest?

 

[kent davidge]

Think about what a gas is. Are all the atoms fixed in place and at rest?

hehe, I just realized it. Thank you.