Chapter 8: Problem 7

What determines the height (or intensity) of each peak in a photoelectron spectrum?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The intensity or height of each peak in a photoelectron spectrum is determined by the number of atoms that have electrons at the given energy level, the probability of their emission during irradiation, and the likelihood of detecting the emitted electrons.

Step by step solution

Principles of Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Understand first that photoelectron spectroscopy is a technique used widely in scientific research to study the electronic structure of solids and surfaces. It works by shining high-energy light on the material being studied. This light energy can eject electrons from the atoms within the material, creating photoelectrons.

Photoelectron Release and Spectra

With the release of photoelectrons due to the absorption of high-energy light, a photoelectron spectrum is produced. Each peak in the photoelectron spectrum corresponds to a different type of atomic orbital in the material.

Determinants of Peak Height/Intensity

The height or intensity of each peak in a photoelectron spectrum is determined by a few key factors:- The number of atoms that have electrons in the given energy state: More atoms with electrons at that energy level will result in a higher intensity peak.- The probability of electron emission in the irradiation process: This is influenced by the atomic or molecular orbitals from which the photoelectrons are emitted.- The probability of detecting the electrons once they are emitted, which can be affected by a variety of external conditions such as the angle of emission, detection geometry, or the kinetic energy of the electrons.

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What determines the height (or intensity) of each peak in a photoelectron spectrum?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Principles of Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Photoelectron Release and Spectra

Determinants of Peak Height/Intensity

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