in photoelectric effect, can an inner shell electron be ejected?

Question

jamesj · Answer

never mind my earlier comment.

yes, inner shell electrons can be ejected.

If that were not the case, we would have missing absorption lines.  But we don't.

anonymous · Answer

sorry, i think u r mistaken somewhere, this is what is written on Wikipedia about photoelectric effect, explained by heinrich hertz. "In the photoelectric effect, electrons are emitted from matter (metals and non-metallic solids, liquids or gases) as a consequence of their absorption of energy from electromagnetic radiation of very short wavelength, such as visible or ultraviolet radiation. "

anonymous · Answer

thanks for ur reply

anonymous · Answer

and  what would say about the compton effect?  is the electron scattered from the inner or outer shell?

jamesj · Answer

In theory, either.

jamesj · Answer

This was an interesting question. The scenario of the photoelectric effect ejecting electrons in all orbitals of Neon is discussed in this lecture, beginning around minute 8: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/chemistry/5-111-principles-of-chemical-science-fall-2008/video-lectures/lecture-9/

anonymous · Answer

yes it can be ejected but its just tht it takes maximum energy to eject due to strong electrostatic forces.

jamesj · Answer

It takes higher energy to eject an inner shell electron because its ionization energy is higher that outer shell electrons; and that is because of the behavior of solutions to the Schrödinger equation.  Why is that related to electrostatic forces, a classical concept?

anonymous · Answer

My explanation was based on the sheilding effect of the electrons..