Question

the photoelectron spectrum for the element nitrogen is represented above. which of the following best explains how the spectrum is consistent with the electron shell model of the atom? a the leftmost peak represents the valence electrons. b the two peaks at the right represent a total of three electrons. c the electrons in the 1s sublevel have the smallest binding energy. d the electrons in the 2p sublevel have the smallest binding energy.

Explanation:

In a photoelectron spectrum, binding energy is related to the distance of electrons from the nucleus and the sub - level they occupy. Valence electrons have the lowest binding energy. For nitrogen, the outermost electrons are in the 2p sub - level and have the smallest binding energy among the electrons in nitrogen's electron shell. The left - most peak represents electrons closest to the nucleus (1s) with the highest binding energy. The two peaks on the right represent electrons in the 2s and 2p sub - levels. The 1s electrons have the highest binding energy.

Answer:

D. The electrons in the 2p sublevel have the smallest binding energy.