PHOTOIONIZATION Meaning and
Definition
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Photoionization is a physical process in which an electron is liberated from an atom, ion, or molecule due to the absorption of a photon. It involves the excitation of the target species by the incident photon, leading to the emission of the electron from the atom or molecule. This phenomenon occurs when the energy of the photon is higher than the ionization energy of the target species, allowing it to overcome the binding force of the electron.
During photoionization, the absorbed energy is first transferred to an electron within the target species, promoting it to a higher energy level or a more loosely bound orbital. If the absorbed energy surpasses the ionization energy threshold, the electron escapes the binding forces and is ejected from the atom or molecule, leaving behind a positively charged ion.
The process of photoionization plays a crucial role in various fields of science, including chemistry, physics, and astrophysics. It is extensively used in spectroscopy to study the energy levels and electronic structures of atoms and molecules. Analyzing the energy and intensity of the ejected electrons also provides valuable information about the initial state and the interactions occurring within the target species.
Overall, photoionization is a fundamental phenomenon involving the liberation of an electron by absorption of a photon, enabling the study of atomic and molecular structures, as well as numerous applications in research and technology.
Common Misspellings for PHOTOIONIZATION
- ohotoionization
- lhotoionization
- 0hotoionization
- pgotoionization
- pbotoionization
- pnotoionization
- pjotoionization
- puotoionization
- pyotoionization
- phitoionization
- phktoionization
- phltoionization
- phptoionization
- ph0toionization
- ph9toionization
- phoroionization
- phofoionization
- phogoionization
- phoyoionization
- pho6oionization
Etymology of PHOTOIONIZATION
The word "photoionization" is derived from two parts: "photo" and "ionization".
The prefix "photo-" comes from the Greek word "phōs", meaning "light". It is commonly used in scientific and technical terms to indicate the involvement of light or photons.
The term "ionization" refers to the process of converting an atom or molecule into an ion by gaining or losing electrons. It is derived from the Greek word "ion" meaning "going" or "movement".
Therefore, "photoionization" refers to the process of ionization induced by the absorption of photons or light.
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