Physics problem help!!!

[joonkimdds]

I am learning about ionization energy
it's -13.6eV(z^2/ n^2)
but there is another similiar one
it's -13.6eV((z-1)^2/ n^2)


could u explain to me why i need to use z-1 instead of z for this following problem?

"Whats' the energy of photon of molybdenum(Z=42) that goes from n=2 to n=1?"
the solution says
it's -13.6eV((z-1)^2/ n^2) for n=2
it's -13.6eV((z-1)^2/ n^2) for n=1
and the difference was the answer.

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[cdpiano27]

I am afriad you are posting in the wrong forum. Physics is not on PCAT!!

 

[KUMoose]

There are multiple equations, because the amount of energy required to dislodge one electron is significantly less then is required for two electrons or three, or four(electrons/protons fairly interchangable here).

What you see is essentially a nonlinear curve (similar to a exponetial curve) when you plot the amount of energy required.