What comes out of an 'atomic oven' - atoms, ions?

In summary, when heating up a solid like magnesium using electricity, the resulting product is most likely neutral gaseous molecules, specifically Mg(g). To produce long-lived ions, a strong electromagnetic field is necessary, which the described method may not provide. Additional ionization techniques, such as using lasers, may be needed to trap the atoms.
  • #1
Carnot
19
0
Hi, I am trying to make a Magnesium source by curling up a tungsten wire with a block of Mg inside. Then by setting electricity to the tungsten wire, the Mg is heated and you get what out? Magnesium atoms? Magnesium ions?

Thanks a lot
/Carnot
 
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  • #2
When heating up a solid, you generally produce neutral gaseous molecules from the surface. To create a plasma containing long-lived ions, you'd need a fairly strong EM field. By induction, the wire may create a negligible field at the surface of the Mg block, but probably not enough to ionize. Mg(g) is what you'd probably get.
 
  • #3
Most likely atoms come out.

In ion trap experiments, the oven producing the material is often a powder that is heated by some electricity, like you describe, and out comes neutral atoms. To trap anything, one would then additionally have to ionize them, which can be done by laser for example.
 

1. What exactly is an "atomic oven"?

An atomic oven is a device that uses high temperatures to break apart molecules and atoms in order to study their individual components.

2. What is the purpose of an atomic oven?

The purpose of an atomic oven is to study the behavior and properties of atoms and molecules. By breaking them apart and observing their components, scientists can gain a better understanding of how they interact and function.

3. What comes out of an atomic oven?

The main products that come out of an atomic oven are atoms and ions. Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, while ions are atoms that have gained or lost electrons and therefore have a positive or negative charge.

4. How are atoms and ions produced in an atomic oven?

In an atomic oven, molecules are heated to extremely high temperatures, causing them to break apart. This process, known as ionization, produces atoms and ions as the molecular bonds are broken.

5. Are there any potential hazards associated with using an atomic oven?

While the high temperatures used in an atomic oven can pose a risk, proper safety precautions are taken to ensure the well-being of scientists and those working with the device. Additionally, the atoms and ions produced are typically not harmful and are contained within the device for study.

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