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The ionization energy of a hydrogen atom is epsi_(ion)=13.6eV. Yet the ionization of hydrogen atoms is observed at temperatures for which the average kinetic energy is much less. How can this fact be explained? |
Answer» Solution :Usually the computations are carried out using the relation  . This, however, yields too large a value for the temperature:  In fact, IONIZATION takes place at lower temperatures. The reason is the Maxwellian molecular speed distribution, according to which in equilibrium conditions there is ALWAYS a noticeable percentage of MOLECULES with speeds exceeding the average. For example, from Table 25.1it may be SEEN that `(9)/(368)~~2,5%` of the molecules have a speed more than three times the average. This means that nine times greater than the average kinetic energy of the molecules. |
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