Atomic Energy: Missing Electron Impact

[M. next]

Why is the energy of an atom with one electron missing greater than that of the neutral atom?

 

[mfb]

The energy of "ion + electron far away" is greater than the energy of the atom with the electron nearby. The reason is just the electrostatic force - the positive ion attracts the electron, and you need energy to separate them.

 

[M. next]

Aw, thank you!

 

[Drakkith]

Consider that if you put a neutral atom in between the electron and the ion, the electron will accelerate towards the ion and impact the atom, performing work on it. When work is performed energy is transferred, so this requires that the energy of the separated electron and ion be higher than when they are together, otherwise there would be no energy to transfer in the first place!

 

[pmacias]

The energy of an atom is determined by the arrangement and interactions of its electrons. When an electron is missing from an atom, it creates an imbalance in the electrical charge of the atom, resulting in a positive charge. This positive charge creates a stronger attraction between the remaining electrons and the nucleus, leading to a higher energy state for the atom. Additionally, the missing electron may have had a specific role in stabilizing the atom's energy, and without it, the atom is left in a less stable state, resulting in a higher energy level. Therefore, the energy of an atom with one missing electron is greater than that of a neutral atom.