SUMMARY
The ground state frequency of the electron in the hydrogen molecular ion (H+) is not definitively established, as the stability of the molecule is questioned. The equilibrium separation of the two protons is twice the Bohr radius, and the total energy calculation must account for proton-proton repulsion. Numerical solutions to the linear PDF eigenvalue problem in two dimensions can yield precise values for the electron frequency, with tools like Comsol/Femlab recommended for such calculations. The ionization energy for the stable H2+ ion is -16.3 eV, which includes the repulsive Coulomb potential of the protons.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of quantum mechanics and wavefunctions
- Familiarity with the Bohr model of hydrogen
- Knowledge of ionization energy concepts
- Experience with numerical methods and finite element analysis using Comsol/Femlab
NEXT STEPS
- Research the numerical solutions for the hydrogen molecular ion using Comsol/Femlab
- Explore the relationship between ionization energy and electron frequency in multi-electron systems
- Investigate the effects of proton-proton repulsion on molecular stability
- Study the implications of effective atomic number Z in diatomic ions
USEFUL FOR
Physicists, chemists, and researchers in quantum mechanics and semiconductor physics interested in molecular ion behavior and electron dynamics.