Electrons and ions -- how long can they exist apart?

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SUMMARY

Ions can exist independently for varying durations depending on their environment. In the upper atmosphere, specifically the F region of the ionosphere, ions remain ionized throughout the night even after solar radiation ceases. Conversely, in the D region of the ionosphere, higher pressure leads to more frequent collisions and recombination, causing ions to dissipate quickly after sunset. The behavior of ions in different states, such as gas versus solid, also influences their stability and longevity.

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Can ions exist by itself, if it does, does it last for short period of time before it reacts with something else.
 
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Gajan1234 said:
Can ions exist by itself, if it does, does it last for short period of time before it reacts with something else.
In the case of a gas, the ion can remain existing until it has a collision and a recombination. For instance, in the upper atmosphere, the F region of the ionosphere remains ionised all night after the source of ionisation, which is the Sun's radiation, has disappeared. On the other hand, the D region of the ionosphere, where the pressure is higher and collision/recombination more likely, disappears as soon as the Sun sets.
 
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tech99 said:
In the case of a gas, the ion can remain existing until it has a collision and a recombination. For instance, in the upper atmosphere, the F region of the ionosphere remains ionised all night after the source of ionisation, which is the Sun's radiation, has disappeared. On the other hand, the D region of the ionosphere, where the pressure is higher and collision/recombination more likely, disappears as soon as the Sun sets.
What happen when ionisation happen to solid state
 

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