1s peak
Definition
The 1s peak refers to the electron transition from the innermost energy level (1s orbital) to a higher energy level, resulting in the emission of X-rays. It provides information about the electronic structure of an atom.
Analogy
Imagine a ladder where each rung represents an energy level. The 1s peak is like stepping up one rung on the ladder, indicating that an electron has moved from the lowest energy level to a slightly higher one.
Related terms
Binding Energy: The amount of energy required to remove an electron from its atomic orbit. It determines how tightly electrons are held by the nucleus.
Electron Configuration: The arrangement of electrons in different orbitals around the nucleus of an atom.
Ionization Energy: The minimum amount of energy needed to remove an electron from a neutral atom or ion in its ground state.
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