What is the definition of 'ground state',considering H- ion = -14.35eV

In summary, the ground state of an electron in a proton-electron system, defined as the lowest energy state available to the electron, is not applicable to the H- ion as it is a different system with different energy levels available. In orbital notation, the H- ion is represented as 1s2.
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If 'ground state' is the lowest energy state, and H atom takes -13.6eV to ionise while H- takes -14.35eV, why is H- not considered the 'ground state'?

Is that definition wrong? What is the definition of 'ground state' that "fixes" this?
 
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Ground state of an electron in a proton-electron system (by which I mean the system consisting of one proton and one electron) would be the lowest energy state available to the electron.

H- is not a proton-electron system. That's a different system with a different set of energy levels available to the electrons.
 
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OK, got it.

In orbital notation, what is the H- ion? Is it 1s2?
 

1. What is the definition of 'ground state'?

The ground state refers to the lowest energy state that an atom or molecule can have. It is the state in which the electrons are in their most stable configuration, with the lowest possible energy levels.

2. How is the ground state determined for an atom or molecule?

The ground state is determined by the arrangement of electrons in an atom or molecule, following the rules of quantum mechanics. The electrons fill up energy levels in a specific order, with the lowest energy levels being filled first.

3. What does the energy level of -14.35eV represent in the ground state of an H- ion?

The energy level of -14.35eV represents the energy of the lowest energy state of an H- ion. This is the energy level that the electrons in the H- ion occupy in the ground state.

4. How does the ground state of an H- ion compare to the ground state of a neutral hydrogen atom?

The ground state of an H- ion is different from the ground state of a neutral hydrogen atom because the H- ion has an extra electron. This causes the energy levels to shift and the ground state energy level to be lower for the H- ion.

5. Can the ground state of an H- ion change?

Yes, the ground state of an H- ion can change if it gains or loses electrons. This will result in a different arrangement of electrons and a different ground state energy level.

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