Hi:
a) an atoms electron is in the ground state (-4.11*10^ -17). An electron with ke 5*10^-17 collides with the atom, what happens to the energy.
b) What could subsequently happen to the electrons in the higher energy levels
help plz
Yes energy = - 4.11E-17 J
my mistake lol
I think the answer is that the atom gets ionised and the remaining enegry becomes the KE of the free electron.
but im confused as to the words 'what happens to the ENERGY' (is it just absorbed by the electron in the ground state and the rest goes to KE)
and part b) i think it is the electrons drop down energy levels emmiting light - photons with discrete frequencies hence discrete wavelengths.
but the questions says 'subsequently' , so im not sure if its right or is its just there to put you off.