What is Ionization: Definition and 286 Discussions

Ionization or ionisation is the process by which an atom or a molecule acquires a negative or positive charge by gaining or losing electrons, often in conjunction with other chemical changes. The resulting electrically charged atom or molecule is called an ion. Ionization can result from the loss of an electron after collisions with subatomic particles, collisions with other atoms, molecules and ions, or through the interaction with electromagnetic radiation. Heterolytic bond cleavage and heterolytic substitution reactions can result in the formation of ion pairs. Ionization can occur through radioactive decay by the internal conversion process, in which an excited nucleus transfers its energy to one of the inner-shell electrons causing it to be ejected.

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  1. G

    Electron impact ionization cross section

    Homework Statement I want to find the ionization cross section in a mass spectrometer for the gas Argon. The value obtained should be in the 2x10-16 cm2 range. Homework Equations Q = ionization cross section I = K(V,B)xNxQxdxIe Where I = (0.17 x 10-11, K(V,B) =1, d = 0.1 cm, and Ie = 5 x...
  2. ugenetic

    Relations between workfunction, ionization, redox and fermi

    My understanding so far, critique appreciated: [1] workfunction closely relates to reduction potential Since workfunction is about boundaries and chemical reaction are mostly happening at the boundaries between bulk material, Workfunction should have a direct correlation with reduction...
  3. Misha Kuznetsov

    Molecular Hydrogen Ionization

    The ionization energy of H2 is 1488 kJ/mol. How strong of a DC electrostatic field would be need to ionize H2 molecules all at a distance 'd' from the source of the field? What I am asking is how to convert the known unit (joule) into a measure of an electrostatic field since electric fields are...
  4. H

    First Ionization energy exceptions

    I'm having a hard time understanding the first ionization energy exception between the s and p block. My book tries to explain it but I feel like it is a poor explanation. It states that the ionization energy for Boron is actually lower than Beryllium because of the fact that the p block is...
  5. F

    Ionization energy calculations

    Why isn't the ionization energy of an electron equal to it's energy level such that: E(electron)= -13.6(Z^2/n^2) = IP for that electron But instead it is equal to the energy difference in energy between the atom and its ionized cation: IP = E(A)-E(A+)
  6. B

    Recombination of ion pairs in an ionization chamber

    What happens to the fill gas in an ionization chamber? Once incident radiation has created an ion pair, which has then moved to its opposite polarity electrode, is that ion pair removed from the fill gas? So if enough incident radiation is detected over a period of time all the gas would be...
  7. L

    Plasmatic Ionization in Stellar Nucleosynthesis

    So, I'm not a student in physics. Or astronomy. I'm actually a med student, just fairly curious. In stellar nucleosynthesis, plasma is required to fuse the particles from my understanding. In trying to record all the various reactions (PP Chain, Triple α Process, CNO Cycle), but I can't find...
  8. M

    Photon emission during x-Ray ionization process

    Dear mates: During ionization with radiant energy there is a photon emission (see http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/mod3.html). I know photon emission occurs by a decay of radiant energy from a excited state and what is confusing to me (I can't find a logical conection) is that...
  9. N

    How ionization energy can be lower than band gap?

    I am reading about the ionization energy in semiconductors and came across this thing that for Silicon, the ionization energy is lower than its band gap energy. I don't understand how can this be?
  10. N

    How Do You Calculate Ionization Energies for Different Shells in X-ray Spectra?

    Homework Statement The K series of the discrete x-ray spectrum of tungsten contains wavelengths of 0.018 5 nm, 0.020 9 nm, and 0.021 5 nm. The K-shell ionization energy is 69.5 keV. (a) Determine the ionization energies of the L, M, and N shells. Homework Equations E=\frac{hc}{\lambda}...
  11. T

    Ionization and Energy Loss

    So I was thinking what are the differences between ionization and radiation energy loss for particles through a material? Its weird cause I see the similarities but not seeing the differences...A friend brought it up in class today lol
  12. T

    Ionization, neutralization, electrical breakdown etc.

    Hi, could someone direct me or recommend me some materials which deal with those problems? I would like to get deeper understanding of it (I know it requires qm), see how exactly such things happens and be able to quantify it (not just with phenomenological theory). For example when I get...
  13. K

    Why Do Strongly Bonded Compounds Like HCl and NaCl Ionize in Water?

    The bonds between H and Cl are strong, almost close to ionic, right? Thus if that is the case why does HCl readily ionize into H+ and Cl- upon contact with water? It doesn't make sense that such a strongly bonded compound should completely disassociate upon contact with water. Further, why does...
  14. S

    Can increasing voltage after ionization lead to nuclear explosions?

    I know that when a gas gets ionized it will conduct electricity but what will happen if we increase the voltage even after ionization?will it explode eventually?if it will explode will that be in nuclear label ?
  15. leviterande

    Ionization radiation vs ordinary ionization/electrical breakdown

    Ionization radiation vs "ordinary ionization/electrical breakdown" Hi, I hope I get understood correctly, my question is seemingly simple: Why is ionization radiation( energetic rays like gamma rays) dangerous and vastly different than say any common everyday ionization from a normal...
  16. L

    Saha Equation: Unravelling the Mystery of Hydrogen Ionization in Sun's Core

    In the picture, I have the question and the Saha Equation. I have all the correct answers for all the variables and constants on the right side of the equation, and I've done the calculation twice, and I'm getting an answer of 1.56x10-28 That is equal to the left side, which is NII/(NI+NII). NII...
  17. M

    Ionization and electrical charges

    Hello, So I assume, ionization occurs, when an electron has enough energy to either overcome the potential (Coulomb) barrier, or tunnel right through it (or can the overcoming of the barrier even be described as a 100% chance of tunneling?). If an alpha particle interacts with an atom, it...
  18. G

    What happens on un-ionized electrons after ionization?

    Hello. I'm now working in the spectroscopy and I'm wondering in one instantaneous moment of ionization. Let's have an atom with multiple bound electrons. The external energy (like in form of photon) is introduced on the atom such that outer bound electron is ionized and the question...
  19. xortdsc

    Maximum ionization of free elements

    Hi, I wondered what is the maximal ionization of a given element when it is free (not bound into a molecule). I'd assume it is possible to strip off all electrons of a given element (given sufficient ionizing radiation) so the maximal positive charge should be +Z (Z being the atomic number)...
  20. B

    Ionization of Zinc in galvanic cells

    what exactly ionizes zinc in the galvanic cell or the daniell cell ? i mean zinc atoms in the galvanic cell are ionized into Zn ++ and 2 e- . then the electrons move through the conductor to the copper bar , my question is why does zinc ionize when connected in a battery ? when the circuit...
  21. P

    How Does Thermal Energy Compare to Ionization Energy in a Flame?

    Homework Statement The energy of particles in a flame at a temperature T might be described by a Boltzmann distribution. Temperature can be converted to energy (and thereby velocity) using the gas constant R = 8.3145 J mol-1 K-1. Let us approximate thermal energy in the flame by RT (squiggly...
  22. C

    Why is ionization of sodium endothermic?

    Homework Statement State whether ionization is an endothermic or an exothermic process. The Attempt at a Solution I know what exothermic and endothermic mean, and I know that the answer is that ionization of sodium is an endothermic process, but I don't know why and I'm hoping someone can...
  23. T

    Ionization driven phase change

    Greetings, I've been searching online without success for information related to the process (name?) Of utilizing the repusive force between negatively ionized particles to facilitate a change of phase from liquid to plasma. I would like to be able to take a substance in liquid form inside a...
  24. S

    Gamma Ray Ionization Path to Overcome Potential

    If a gamma ray is being fired and is in turn colliding with electrons and ionizing the electrons in the gamma ray path, where do the electrons tend to? In what direction is the current most likely to flow for a high powered gamma ray ionization?
  25. O

    Ionization Energy QNS - Get Help Now!

    Hi, I am slightly confused with the term, ionization energy (IE). I am stuck between two definitions, one is the minimum energy to remove an outermost electron from an atom while the other is the energy to completely remove an electron from ground state. If its the former, wouldn't it have a...
  26. L

    About photoelectron spectroscopy, work function, ionization potential

    Dear all, I learn that photoelectron spectroscopy can measure the work function of solid semiconductors. However, some research papers reported it measured the ionization potential of solid semiconductor nanoparticle films. As we know there's obvious difference between the work function and...
  27. E

    Calculating Electric Fields for H Atom Ionization with SFA

    Hi! I have some trouble with atomic unit. I have a laser pulse with the wavelength of ##800 nm## at the peak intensity of ##1.0*10^{14} W/cm^{2}##. I'd like to calculate the corresponding electric field ##E_0##. I use the formula ##I=0.5Cε_0{E_{0}}^2## and ##1 a.u.=5.14*10^{11} V/m## to obtain...
  28. A

    Chemistry, Finding Ionization Energies

    1. The ionization energies of Rb and Ag are 4.28 eV and 7.57 eV, respectively. Calculate the ionization energies of an H atom with its electron in the same orbitals as the highest energy electrons in these two atoms. Another way of thinking of this is: what would the ionization energies of RB...
  29. N

    How does ionization energy affect reactivity in elements?

    I read this here: http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistryglossary/a/ionizationenerg.htm The higher the ionization energy, the more difficult it is to remove an electron. Therefore, ionization energy is in indicator of reactivity. So my question is: How does this explain the high...
  30. T

    Ionization Blackout: Solutions for Rocketeers

    Due to the extreme heat which surrounds a space shuttle in its reentry atoms surrounding it become ionised and prevent radio waves from entering the space shuttle. Is there any solution that rocketeers have invented to fix this issue ?
  31. A

    Electromagnetizm -> Radon ionization -> Temperature increase?

    I have read somewhere that electromagnetic waves would ionize radon and that would lead to air temperature increase as air contains radon particles. Do you think this is true?
  32. G

    Energies higher than ionization energy

    Homework Statement During a discussion, we tried to figure out, according to the Bohr model of the atom, what happens when radiation with a higher energy level than that which can ionize hydrogen. Homework Equations Absorption spectrum of hydrogen. Ionization energy of hydrogen - 13.6...
  33. V

    Charged Particles and Ionization

    I'm studying A Level physics. I've read that a bubble chamber only shows up particles with a charge, as they ionize the hydrogen in the chamber, leaving tracks, whereas neutral particles don't show up. Is it therefore true then that only charged particles ionize? Because UV-radiation is ionizing...
  34. O

    How does the number of protons in the nucleus affect ionization energy trends?

    Hey guys, I am having trouble understanding/explaining some of the trends in ionization energy with calculated Zeff by slaters rules. For example I was asked why is the 3rd ionization energy for Be greater then the 3rd ionization energy for O My train of thought was to say its pulling an...
  35. P

    Calculate the Second Ionization Energy of Lithium

    Homework Statement Given -Total Energy for Li \rightarrow Li ^{3+} = 1.960 * 10^{4} kJ/mol -First Ionization Energy of Li = 5.20 * 10^{2} kJ/mol Homework Equations Other than the equation in the image, I used the equation: Etotal = E1 + E2 + E3 The Attempt at a Solution Since Etotal and...
  36. S

    Alpha and beta particles in gas ionization

    Hello, why alpha particles are better at ionizing gases than beta particles ? shouldn't the negative particles repel more electrons ? thanks
  37. T

    What is the temperature at which air becomes plasma?

    Need help here to determine correct temperature when the air turned into plasma, because there is someone in other forum (not here) insisted that a 15000000 degree Celcius flame is flame, not plasma, but I think at that temperature air must already becoming plasma.
  38. V

    Ionization Energy (Quantum Mechanics)

    Homework Statement When ultraviolet radiation of wavelength 58.4 nm from a helium lamp is directed on to a sample of krypton, electrons are ejected with a speed of 1.59 Mm/s. Calculate the ionization energy of Krypton.Homework Equations E=hv, \frac{1}{λ}=R(1- \frac{1}{n2} ) <- Lyman series...
  39. W

    Ionization Energy of Lithium problem

    The energy needed to strip all three electrons from a Li(g) atom was found to be 1.96*10^4 kJ/mol. The first ionization energy of Li is 520 kJ/mol. Calculate the second ionization energy of Lithium atoms (the energy required for the process) Li+(g) ---> Li+2 + e- Equation: frequency =...
  40. B

    Calculating second ionization energy of He

    Homework Statement The equation En=-Z2RH/n2 gives the energy (according to the Bohr model) of the energy levels available to an electron in any hydrogen-like atom. Calculate the second ionization energy of He(in J). The second ionization energy of He is the ionization energy of He+. Homework...
  41. W

    Quantum Mechanics Problem: ionization potential

    The outer electron (valence electron) of an alkali atom may be treated in an approximate way, as if it were in a hydrogenic orbital. Suppose that one takes the quantum number for the valence electron to be 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively, for Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs. What values of the...
  42. P

    Ionization Enthelpy, Electron Gain Enthelpy and Electron Affinity

    Ionization Enthalpy is defined as the amount of energy required to remove an atom's electron (can be valence or consecutive) ... this definition doesn't sound so complex. The definition of Electron Gain Enthalpy - it is the amount of energy required to add an electron. But, what is Electron...
  43. M

    Ionize N2 & CO2 at 50g/s - Easiest Way?

    hi everyone, is it possible to easily ionize N2 and CO2 at a high flow about 50g/s, and which is the easiest way? thanks
  44. A

    Ionization Potentials for Protactinium

    I'm trying to compile the first five IP's for Protactinium. I was able to find 1-3 on these two sites http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/~cowley/ionen.htm http://www.gordonengland.co.uk/elements/pa.htm But am coming up with nothing for the 4th or 5th IP. Does anyone have any possible...
  45. B

    The ionization temperature of helium atom

    Homework Statement It is known that the ionization temperature of hydrogen is T. Then, estimate the ionization temperature of the helium atom in terms of T. Assume that Bohr's theory is applicable, that is, All the electrons are occupying hydrogenic levels. By ionization temperature, we mean...
  46. I

    Gibbs Free Energy of Atomic Hydrogen Ionization

    Homework Statement Despite extensive searches of the web and my old honors freshman chem text, I have yet to find a kj /mol value for either the standard Gibbs' Free Energy (Delta-G-naught (298° K)) or standard ENTROPY (Delta-S-naught) for the ionization of gaseous ATOMIC Hydrogen (or for...
  47. B

    Ionization temperature of an atom

    Hi, How do we calculate the temperature required to ionize an atom, say, helium. Also how can we find the number of atoms ionized or unionized at a given temperature? Boltzmann
  48. C

    Ionization energy - compare 2 unknown elements and decide their group

    Hello. I have a question about ionization energy: Two hypothetical elements in the 2nd or 3rd period have the following ionization energies: Element X First: 800 kJ/mol Second: 2500 kJ/mol Third: 3900 kJ/mol Fourth: 23000 kJ/mol Element Y First: 700 kJ/mol Second: 2200 kJ/mol...
  49. fluidistic

    Ionization energy of the dihydrogen

    Homework Statement Calculate the energy of ionization of the dihydrogen H_2, knowing that the binding energy of H_2 and H_2^+ are worth -4.48 eV and -2.65 eV respectively and that the ionization energy of the hydrogen atom is 13.6 eV.2. Relevant thoughts Energy of ionization of H_2 is the...
  50. D

    The ionization chamber as a capacitor

    An ionization chamber is like a capacitor in many ways. The gas inside is the dielectric, and if ionization occurs, the ionized dielectric atom or molecule will no longer be able to store the same energy at a voltage potential. The chamber will have dielectric breakdown during ionization...
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