Photoelectric effect and free electrons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the photoelectric effect and its implications for the ionization of metals when exposed to light. Participants explore the nature of free electrons in metals and the concept of ionization in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the expulsion of free electrons from a metal due to light exposure constitutes ionization.
  • Another participant suggests that ionization should not be considered in this case, as there are no isolated charged atoms, but rather atoms that are missing electrons.
  • A participant requests clarification on the term "delocalized" electrons, which are described as not being bound to individual atoms in the metal.
  • Some participants argue that even if electrons are delocalized, their loss still implies a form of ionization, though this is contested.
  • It is noted that the term "ionization" is typically reserved for single atoms and molecules, despite the metal being charged when electrons are lost.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the loss of electrons in the context of the photoelectric effect should be classified as ionization. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing interpretations of the terms involved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the definitions of ionization and delocalization as applied to metals, and the discussion does not resolve the implications of these terms in the context of the photoelectric effect.

Docscientist
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When we shine a light of particular color on a metal,it expells the free electrons present in the metal.In that case,doesn't the metal get ionized ?
 
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Depends on what you exactly mean by ionization. You won't be able to point to ions. There are no isolated, charged atoms, rather every single atom misses a piece of an electron.
 
Borek said:
There are no isolated, charged atoms, rather every single atom misses a piece of an electron.
Can you elaborate more on that ? And you say they "miss a piece of electron", why can't that be called ionisation ?
 
Docscientist said:
Can you elaborate more on that ? And you say they "miss a piece of electron", why can't that be called ionisation ?
In a metal, the outermost electrons are delocalised rather than bound to an individual atom, so no single metal atom loses an electron.
 
Vagn said:
In a metal, the outermost electrons are delocalised rather than bound to an individual atom, so no single metal atom loses an electron.
What do you mean by delocalised ?
 
Docscientist said:
What do you mean by delocalised ?
Have you tried the wikipoedia page on delocalized electrons?
 
Vagn said:
Have you tried the wikipoedia page on delocalized electrons?
I just went through the page.I still can't get it.Even if it is delocalized,it is still a free electron that once belonged to the metal's atoms.So any way there is a losing that takes place.In that case,considering the metal to be ionized should be right,isn't it ?
 
Docscientist said:
I just went through the page.I still can't get it.Even if it is delocalized,it is still a free electron that once belonged to the metal's atoms.So any way there is a losing that takes place.In that case,considering the metal to be ionized should be right,isn't it ?

The metal will be charged unless it replaces the missing electron, but we don't say that the metal is ionized. That terms is usually reserved for single atoms and sometimes molecules.
 

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