Can Adding an Electron Change the Properties of a Hydrogen Atom?

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SUMMARY

Adding an electron to a hydrogen atom results in the formation of a negative ion, specifically the hydride ion (H-). The neutral hydrogen atom contains one electron in its ground state, and there are no inner shells below this level. Therefore, the concept of placing an electron in an "inner shell" is inaccurate, as the ground state is the lowest energy level available for hydrogen.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding atomic structure and electron configuration
  • Familiarity with the concept of ions, particularly negative ions
  • Knowledge of quantum mechanics principles related to electron energy levels
  • Basic chemistry terminology, including terms like "ground state" and "electron shells"
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and behavior of hydride ions (H-)
  • Explore quantum mechanics principles related to electron configurations
  • Study the implications of electron addition on atomic stability
  • Learn about the formation of negative ions in other elements
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Students of chemistry, physicists, and anyone interested in atomic theory and the behavior of electrons in atoms.

tinypositrons
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If you stuck 1 electron into the inner shell of a hydrogen atom, would the properties change?

Thanks all,
Joe.
 
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The neutral hydrogen atom has one electron in the ground state.
What do you mean by "inner shell"? There is no level lower than the ground state.
If you put another electron on the level where there is one already, you have a negative ion.
 

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