A photoelectron spectrum has three peaks. The first two are one third the size of the last one. Which atom corresponds to this spectrum?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neon (Ne) has a full outer shell with 2s and 2p orbitals completely filled, making a total of 8 electrons in the outer shell. When ionized, the electrons from these orbitals are removed, resulting in three distinct peaks in the photoelectron spectrum: two from the 2s electrons and six from the 2p electrons. The peak corresponding to the 2p electrons would be three times the size of the 2s peak, matching the description.

A Photoelectron Spectrum Has Three Peaks