Question:
In the Auger process, an atom makes a transition to a lower state without emitting a photon. The excess energy is transferred to an outer electron which may be ejected by the atom. (This is called an Auger electron). Assuming the nucleus to be massive, calculate the kinetic energy of an n = 4 Auger electron emitted by Chromium by absorbing the energy from an = 2 to n = 1 transition.
Solution:
The energy in the nth state = -Rch Z2/n2 = -13.6 Z2/n2 eV
Where R is the Rydberg constant and Z = 24
Energy released is (13.6Z2)(3/4)
Energy required to eject 4 electron is 13.6 Z2/16 eV
Therefore, the kinetic energy is 13.6Z2(3/4 – 1/16) = 5385.6 eV.