Chapter 9: Problem 2

Why is it not important to place numbers along the vertical axis of photoelectron spectra?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The numbers along the vertical axis in a photoelectron spectrum do not impact the spectral interpretation because the spectra aim to define energy levels and the gaps between these levels, not the quantity of electrons. The spectra interpretation is qualitative not quantitative.

Step by step solution

Understanding Photoelectron Spectra

A photoelectron spectrum is a graph that displays the kinetic energy of electrons ejected from atoms when they are exposed to light. The x-axis usually represents the binding energy required to remove electrons from an atom, and the peaks in the graph represent the electrons in different energy levels.

Assessing the Vertical Axis

The vertical axis is often used to plot the number of electrons or the relative amount of electrons with a specific kinetic energy. However, this is not as crucial since photoelectron spectra are not quantitative but rather qualitative analyses. They provide information about energy levels and the difference in energy between them, not the amount of electrons.

Effect on Photoelectron Spectra Interpretation

Since the photoelectron spectra showcase the energy levels and the differences between them, the specific numbers along the vertical axis, which only quantify the number of electrons, won't affect the interpretation of the spectrum in terms of understanding the atomic structure, which is its main purpose.

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Why is it not important to place numbers along the vertical axis of photoelectron spectra?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Photoelectron Spectra

Assessing the Vertical Axis

Effect on Photoelectron Spectra Interpretation

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