Why Does the Photoelectric Effect Eject Electrons from the Innermost Shell?

[eitan]

In the photoelectric effect, the electron is emitted from the innermost shell. Why not from the outer shells?

Thank you

 

[malawi_glenn]

That is not true 100% since photoelectric effect is for solids, and solid elements have different energy level structure, we don't talk about 'shells' there...

 

[ZapperZ]

In the photoelectric effect, the electron is emitted from the innermost shell. Why not from the outer shells?

Thank you

As malawi_glenn has said, you have read something incorrectly (this is why we often ask for the full citation of your sources). The standard photoelectric effects produces photoelectrons that came from the top of the conduction band, which is the "valence" band of the electronic band structure. There are no "shells". A solid does not have the same behavior as the individual atoms/molecules that make up the solid.

Zz.