H- and HII ions

[goleafsgo113]

what is the reason why the number of H- ions in a gas must always be less than the number of HII ions?

[Labguy]

what is the reason why the number of H- ions in a gas must always be less than the number of HII ions?Gas where? Do you mean in a star or interstellar space? Depends on the temperature.

[DB]

My best guess is that you need more energy to ionize atoms, and more energy can mean more mass, therefore more atoms. Just a guess.