Question

The binding energy of an electron in the ground state of an atom is equal to \[24.6eV\]. Find the energy required to remove both the electrons from the atom.
A.\[79eV\]
B.\[89eV\]
C.\[99eV\]
D.\[69eV\]

Answer 1

Hint: We need to know that the atom is the smallest particle which is found in a chemical element. Each solid, liquid, and gas are composed with ionized or neutral atoms. The size of the atom is extremely small around \[100\]picometers across. An atom is made up of three subatomic particles and that is, neutrons, protons and electrons. And most of the atoms are stable. The electrons contain the negative charge and it is smaller than the nucleus.

Complete answer:
According to the question, binding energy of an electron in the ground state of an atom \[ = 24.6eV\]
Let's take helium. Then the binding energy of helium atom\[ = 24.6eV\]
By the removal of one electron from the helium atom, it becomes a single electron species.
The ionization energy of \[H{e^ + }\] atom\[ = - 13.6 \times 4 = - 54.4eV\]
Therefore, the energy required to remove both electrons present in $He$ atom\[ = - 54.4 + 24.6 = 79eV\]
Hence, option (A) is correct.
The energy required to remove both electrons from the atom is not equal to \[89eV\]. Hence, option (B) is incorrect.
The energy required to remove both electrons from the atom is not equal to \[99eV\]. Hence, option (C) is incorrect.
The energy needed to remove the electron from the atom is not equal to \[69eV\]. Hence, option (D) is incorrect.

Hence, option (A) is correct.

Note:
We need to know that the minimum energy needed to remove an electron from an atom is known as electron binding energy. The electron should be negatively charged and it is held by using an electrostatic force of the positively charged nucleus. The free electrons are moved around the nucleus and it will not attach to the nucleus. And it does not have electromagnetic force. These free electrons are responsible for conducting heat and electricity.