Title

The Crucial Role of Kinetic Energy in Interpreting Ionization Energies

Authors

Frank Rioux, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's UniversityFollow
Roger L. DeKock

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1998

Disciplines

Chemistry | Physical Chemistry | Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Abstract

The experimental ratio of the ionization energies of H and He is 1.81. We show that it is not correct to interpret this ratio using a classical Coulombic potential energy model. Rather a quantum mechanical model is required in which both kinetic and potential energy play a role.

Comments

DOI: 10.1021/ed075p537

Recommended Citation

Rioux, F.; DeKock, R. L. The Crucial Role of Kinetic Energy in Interpreting Ionization Energies. J. Chem. Educ., 1998, 75, 537–539.