Hydrogen anion stable when left unperturbed ?

In summary, the stability of an isolated singly negatively ionized hydrogen atom was questioned. According to the corresponding Wikipedia article, it was proven in 1977 that H- does not have any bound excited states. This suggests that if it absorbs a photon, one of its electrons would be lost, resulting in its ionization. However, if both electrons remain in their ground state due to a lack of external radiation, the atom would remain in a stable bound state. Further sources state that the correlations between the two electrons are strong in the ground state, making it the only bound state in this three-body system. Therefore, the atom is stable when both electrons are on the 1s orbital.
  • #1
xortdsc
98
0
Hi,

I wondered if an isolated singly negatively ionized hydrogen atom (1 proton, 2 electrons) would be stable.
In the corresponding wikipedia article it states: "H− is unusual because, in its free form, it has no bound excited states, as was finally proven in 1977 (Hill 1977)." - does this mean it would loose one of its electrons (and by that its ionization) as soon as it absorbs a photon, but when both electrons remain in their ground state (1s orbital) due to lack of external radiation they would remain in a stable bound state ?

cheers
 
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  • #2
Ah, I was to quick with my question. I've found a source which is more explicit with its statement saying: "Correlations between the two electrons are strong already in the ground state, the only bound state in this three-body system."

So it seems it is stable when both electrons are on the 1s orbital.
 

1. What is a hydrogen anion?

A hydrogen anion is a negatively charged hydrogen atom that has gained an extra electron, resulting in a net negative charge.

2. Why is a hydrogen anion stable when left unperturbed?

A hydrogen anion is stable when left unperturbed because it has a complete outer electron shell, making it energetically favorable. It is also surrounded by positively charged protons in the nucleus, creating a stable electrostatic environment.

3. Can a hydrogen anion exist in isolation?

No, a hydrogen anion cannot exist in isolation because it is highly reactive due to its negative charge. It will quickly combine with other atoms to reach a more stable state.

4. How does a hydrogen anion differ from a hydrogen atom?

A hydrogen anion differs from a hydrogen atom in that it has an extra electron, giving it a net negative charge. A hydrogen atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in a neutral charge.

5. What are some common uses of hydrogen anions in scientific research?

Hydrogen anions are commonly used in scientific research as a reducing agent in chemical reactions and as a reactant in plasma etching processes. They are also used in the production of hydrogen gas and in the study of intermolecular interactions.

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