CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Atomic Structure and Properties · Atomic Structure and Properties
Problem
In the photoelectron spectrum of magnesium, the two peaks at the greatest binding energies are equal in height. Which of the following statements best explains why these two peaks have identical intensities?
(a) Both peaks arise from electrons in the same principal energy level, so their binding energies and intensities are identical.
(b) Isotopic variations cause the instrument to record duplicate peaks of equal height.
(c) Each peak represents a filled s subshell that contains exactly two electrons.
(d) Because all core electrons experience essentially the same shielding, their peaks appear with equal intensity regardless of how many electrons are present.