Electron volts (eV)

Definition

An electron volt (eV) is a unit of energy equal to the amount of kinetic energy gained by an electron when it is accelerated through an electric potential difference of one volt. It is commonly used in nuclear and particle physics to express small amounts of energy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 1 eV equals $1.602 \times 10^{-19}$ joules.
2. Electron volts are commonly used to describe the binding energies of electrons in atoms and the energy levels in nuclear reactions.
3. In nuclear chemistry, MeV (mega-electron volts) and GeV (giga-electron volts) are often used due to the high energy scales involved.
4. The concept of electron volts simplifies calculations when dealing with subatomic particles, as it avoids using very small or very large numbers.
5. Conversion between electron volts and other units like joules or calories is often necessary in solving problems related to nuclear stability.

Review Questions

Related terms

Binding Energy: The energy required to disassemble a nucleus into its component protons and neutrons.

Nuclear Reaction: A process involving changes in an atomic nucleus, typically resulting in changes in element identity or isotopic composition.

Particle Accelerator: A device that uses electromagnetic fields to propel charged particles to high speeds and contain them in well-defined beams.