Energy released upon ionization of different gases

[Tane]

Hi, I am interested in plasma physics. I understand that once a gas (say Argon) is ionized, light (electromagnetic radiation) is emitted. This is clearly observable from the coloured glow of the gas when it is in a plasma state. Where does the energy for these electromagnetic rays come from? Is light emitted as a result of the bonds holding the electrons to the gas particle, being broken, or is it some other mechanism causing this phenomena?

My 2nd question relates to how much energy is released upon ionization of a gas. Are there gases that release more energy upon reaching the plasma state? If yes, then why? What distinct property about gases, affects the amount of energy required to ionized them? Also, is the energy released from the ionized gas more or less than the energy applied to do the ionization?

 

[davenn]

Hi, I am interested in plasma physics...........

Where does the energy for these electromagnetic rays come from?

consider that you have to pump LOTS of energy into the gas to ionise it in the first place

Have a look here ...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionization_energy

and here
https://brilliant.org/wiki/ionization-energy/

and here
https://www.britannica.com/science/ionization

for some info that may help you ... there's lots more on google Dave