answersLogoWhite

0

The process is absorption of a photon. When energy like this is added to the system, if enough is added, then an electron can be ejected from the atom. The relevant theory involved with this is called 'band-gap' theory. Electrons are Fermions and as such obey the Pauli exclusion principle. This demands that no two electrons can occupy the same quantum state. Energy is quantised and therefore electrons can only take distinct energy levels at each orbital around an atom. The orbitals close to the nucleus are most tightly bound which means they must be given a tremendous energy to leave the atom. But if all the available slots in a particular orbital are filled, then an electron bound to the atom must occupy the next orbital further out. When all but the outer shell is filled, the only place for an electron attached to the atom is in this outer shell. In some atoms these electrons can be given enough energy by a photon to leave the atom and they do so because there are no further orbitals to occupy. In Silicon, this band-gap is 1.1 electron-volts. The figure varies by material.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the name of the group with only one electron in their outermost energy level?

name the group of elements that have only one electron in their outermost energy level


What element has its outermost electron is 7s1?

The element with its outermost electron in the 7s1 orbital is francium (element 87). Its outermost electron is in the 7th energy level (n=7), specifically in the 7s subshell.


Elements on the side of the periodic table require large amounts of energy to remove an electron from the outermost energy level of their atoms?

Elements on the right side of the periodic table require large amounts of energy to remove an electron from the outermost energy level of their atoms. It is much easier for them to gain rather than lose electrons.


What are the electron on the outermost energy level?

These are called valence electrons.


If electrons have the most energy in an atom electrons in an electron cloud electrons in the outermost electron shell electrons in the innermost electron shell electrons in the nucleus?

Electrons in the outermost electron shell have the most energy in an atom. The energy of an electron increases as it moves further away from the nucleus. Electrons in the innermost shell have the least energy, while electrons in the nucleus have the highest energy due to their proximity to the protons.


What is an electron in the outermost energy level of an atom?

An electron in the outermost energy level of an atom is called a valence electron.(We refer here to the outermost occupied levels of an atom. There are, of course, many other higher energy levels normally available that are not occupied.)These electrons determine the chemical reactivity of the atom.the valence electrons


An electron in the outermost energy level of an atom is a?

The outermost electrons are called VALENCE electrons.


If enough energy was added to remove an electron for calcium which energy level would the electron be removed?

The electron would be removed from the outermost energy level, which is the fourth energy level, for calcium.


How many valance electrons are there in Fr plus?

Fr is in the 1st period. It removes an electron to get noble gas configuration. Fr+ does not have valence electrons.Francium has 1 electron in its outermost energy level. It donates its outermost electron to stabilize its electron configuration. Francium(I) has no valence electrons.


How many electrons are in a chloride ion's outermost energy level?

The chloride ion (Cl-) has 8 electrons on the outermost energy level.


Which electron in an atom are the valence electrons?

The valence electrons are the outermost electrons, i.e. those that reside in the outermost energy level.


What describes how the position of an electron relates to it's energy?

The farther an electron is from the nucleus, the greater its energy.