Question

An atom in its ground level absorbs a photon with energy equal to the K absorption edge. Does absorbing this photon ionize this atom? Explain.

Short answer

Yes, absorbing this photon ionize this atom.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of atom

The term atom may be defined as the smallest tiny particle of the matter which can’t be further divided.

Explain the reason

The lowest energy level in the atom is K-shell. If energy of the photon is equal to the K absorption edge means that is has required energy to knock any electron in this atom out of it.

Hence, yes, absorbing this photon ionize this atom