A hydrogen atom is initially in its ground state. What minimum energy must be supplied to remove the electron completely from the atom, leaving it free with zero kinetic energy at infinite separation?
Options

Question

A hydrogen atom is initially in its ground state. What minimum energy must be supplied to remove the electron completely from the atom, leaving it free with zero kinetic energy at infinite separation?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

In the conventional energy scale, E₁ = −13.6 eV and E(∞) = 0. The minimum ionization energy is the energy difference: E(ion) = 0−(−13.6) = 13.6 eV. Correct option: C.