What Becomes of a Free Electron?

[ahmedelsamra]

Electrons in the first energy level needs energy to go to the second energy level by absorbing photons and the electron can escape from its atom if the energy was high enough and be free. Now what's going to happen to this free electron after it escaped from its atom?

 

[DennisN]

Now what's going to happen to this free electron after it escaped from its atom?

It depends on the context in which it happens (see e.g. photoelectric effect & uses and effects & work function).

 

[ahmedelsamra]

It was helpful, but I still don't understand. What does a free electron do?

 

[Borek]

Flies away.

 

[LudusRex]

Once an electron has escaped from its atom and become a free electron, it will continue to move in a random direction due to its kinetic energy. It may interact with other particles or atoms, causing it to change direction or be absorbed. It may also be influenced by external forces such as electric or magnetic fields.

In some cases, the free electron may recombine with another atom, releasing energy in the form of a photon. This process is known as recombination and is important in many natural phenomena such as lightning and the production of light in stars.

In other cases, the free electron may be captured by a positively charged ion, forming a new chemical bond. This is known as ionization and is an important process in chemical reactions.

In a vacuum, a free electron may continue to travel indefinitely, but in a solid material, it will eventually encounter other atoms and be absorbed or scattered, contributing to the flow of electric current.

Overall, the fate of a free electron is highly dependent on its environment and the forces acting upon it. Its behavior is essential to many physical and chemical processes and plays a crucial role in our understanding of the universe.