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View Full Version : Need a formula for Ionization HELP!!


heliumhigh
Feb20-06, 10:53 PM
What is the greatest wavelength of radiation that will ionize an unexcited Hydrogen atom?

If someone could give me a fomula to work with I'd be EVER so greatful! I've been working on this for HOURS.

Tide
Feb21-06, 01:02 AM
The longest wavelength corresponds to the lowest photon energy which would have to be at least equal to the ground state energy of a hydrogen atom. It's possible (I haven't checked) that longer wavelengths could accomplish this as a multiphoton process using intermediate excited states but those states usually have VERY short lifetimes.