Plasma & the elemental table

In summary, to find the temperature at which elements reach the 4th state of matter known as plasma, you will need to determine the energy at which the element becomes singly ionized and use the formula T = E / K_b, where T is temperature, E is energy, and K_b is the Boltzmann constant. This information can often be found on websites such as the one provided, which lists the ionization energies for various elements.
  • #1
Godspanther
31
2
Where can I find a list/chart of the temperatures at which elements reach the 4th state of matter known as plasma?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
So I believe that it will not be as simple as finding a table with elements and temperatures but it is possible that you could make sure a table with some assumptions.

First off, do you know what a plasma is? In short a gas becomes a plasma when electron(s) are removed from the nucleus. The process of removing an electron from an atom is called ionization. Consider removing the electrons off of an atom one by one. After you remove the first electron, I would say the atom has been singly ionized. After two electrons are pulled off it would be doubly ionized and so on until all of the electrons are removed which I would call fully ionized.

Now when you as for the temperatures at which elements become plasmas, I would rephase it as, at what temperature would a singly ionized plasma of element X be in thermal equilibrium? Now a further complication is that in thermal equilibrium the plasma might be made up of ions with different levels of ionization but let's not get into that.

So we need to know at what energy are the elements singly ionized. Then the temperature that corresponds to that first ionization energy is roughly what you are looking for.

[itex] T = E / K_b[/itex]

where T is temperature, E is energy, and [itex]K_b[/itex] is the Boltzmann constant.

I think the following site provides the ionization (binding) energies for many elements (the energy in eV at the bottom of a given column is what is needed for singly ionized atom).

http://www.chembio.uoguelph.ca/educmat/atomdata/bindener/elecbind.htm

The following Wolfram Alpha link is an example for Hydrogen
 

1. What is plasma and how is it different from gas?

Plasma is one of the four fundamental states of matter, along with solid, liquid, and gas. It is similar to gas in that it has no definite shape or volume, but it differs in that it consists of a collection of charged particles, such as ions and electrons, which are free to move around. This results in unique properties such as electrical conductivity and the ability to be affected by magnetic fields.

2. What elements are found in the elemental table?

The elemental table, also known as the periodic table, contains all of the known chemical elements organized by their atomic number and chemical properties. There are currently 118 elements on the table, ranging from hydrogen (atomic number 1) to oganesson (atomic number 118).

3. How are elements organized on the periodic table?

Elements on the periodic table are organized into rows, called periods, and columns, called groups or families. The rows are arranged by increasing atomic number, and the columns are grouped by similar chemical and physical properties. This allows for easy identification and comparison of elements.

4. What is the significance of the atomic number on the periodic table?

The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in its nucleus, which is a unique identifier for each element. It also determines the element's placement on the periodic table and its chemical properties. Elements with the same atomic number but different numbers of neutrons are known as isotopes.

5. How does the periodic table help scientists understand the properties of elements?

The periodic table provides a systematic way for scientists to organize and study the properties of elements. By identifying trends and patterns among elements in the same group or period, scientists can make predictions about the properties of new or undiscovered elements. It also helps in understanding the relationships between elements and their reactivity, bonding, and other characteristics.

Similar threads

I Can a liquid or solid plasma exist?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
26
Views
6K
B Quark Gluon Plasma In the Presence of Charged Leptons?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Physical interpretation of a plasma (Te, Tv, Tr)
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
939
A Small & large argument expansion of plasma dispersion function
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
7K
B How Does Quantum Turbulence Affect Plasma in a Tokamak?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
10K
B Amount of Plasma [g] in nuclear fusion designs
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
841
I Thermal field theory of an isolated electroweak plasma
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
13
Views
2K
I Understanding Plasma: Definition, Theory, and Applications
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
9
Views
3K
A Plotting Potential in Plasma Sheath
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
2K
I Calculation of ideal ignition temperature for a D-T fusion reaction
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
646

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top