Question 1

What is the photoelectric effect?

Accepted Answer

When electromagnetic radiation (like light) hits a material, it emits electrons

(this is useful in photoelectron spectroscopy)

Question 2

What is photoelectron spectroscopy?

Accepted Answer

A technique that measures the relative energies of electrons in atoms and molecules

We can analyze the spectrum this produces to identify elements

Question 3

How does photoelectron spectroscopy work?

Accepted Answer

A sample is hit with high energy radiation, which causes it to eject electrons (photoelectric effect)

The ejected electrons' kinetic energies are recorded by an energy analyzer

The energy required to eject an electron is known as its ionization energy or binding energy

Question 4

How do you analyze a photoelectron spectroscopy spectrum?

Accepted Answer

Since each peak fills up in order, you can match up each peak to its electron subshell in order

Compare the relative heights to figure out how many electrons are in each

Photoelectron Spectroscopy, AP Chemistry Flashcards