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Chapter 2: Problem 52

Which of the following best explains why the ionization of atoms can occur during photoelectron spectroscopy, even though ionization is not a thermodynamically favored process? (A) It is an exothermic process due to the release of energy as an electron is liberated from the Coulombic attraction holding it to the nucleus. (B) The entropy of the system increases due to the separation of the electron from its atom. (C) Energy contained in the light can be used to overcome the Coulombic attraction between electrons and the nucleus. (D) The products of the ionization are at a lower energy state than the reactants.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The correct answer is C: Energy contained in the light can be used to overcome the Coulombic attraction between electrons and the nucleus.

Step by step solution

01

Evaluate the Statements

Each of the given statements needs to be evaluated in the context of photoelectron spectroscopy and general principles of thermodynamics.
02

Analyze Statement A

Statement A suggests the process is exothermic meaning that energy is released when an electron is detached from the atom. However, in photoelectron spectroscopy, external energy is required to overcome the attraction between nucleus and electron, thus, it’s not exothermic.
03

Analyze Statement B

Statement B talks about an increase in entropy due to the electron leaving the atom. While this is true as the process increases randomness, it doesn't explain how ionization can occur.
04

Analyze Statement C

Statement C states that the energy in the light used in photoelectron spectroscopy can be used to overcome the Coulombic attraction between the electrons and the nucleus. This accurately captures the working principle of photoelectron spectroscopy.
05

Analyze Statement D

Statement D suggests that the products of ionization are at a lower energy state than the reactants, which would imply the process is exothermic. This is inconsistent with the way photoelectron spectroscopy works.

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