Can Diatomic Helium Molecules Be Created through Ionizing Radiation?

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In summary, it is possible to create a diatomic helium molecule by passing ionizing radiation through helium, resulting in either a bound molecule of He2+ or an electronically excited state of He2*. However, neutral He2 only exists at very low temperatures and has a weak bond and large interatomic spacing.
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Could you make a diatomic helium molecule?

Say you passed ionizing radiation through helium would these ions join to form He2 . I'm not sure wether this would produce an unstable balance of charges in the molecule?
 
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You can make a bound molecule of He2+. You can also make He2*, where * indicates an electronically excited state, but as far as I know you can only make that molecule in condensed phases, or perhaps in the warm part of a JT expansion.

Neutral He2 exists as a van der Waals molecule in very low temperature molecular beams. It is a very exotic molecule, with an extremely weak bond, and an average interatomic spacing of tens of Angstroms.
 

1. Can diatomic helium molecules be created through ionizing radiation?

Yes, it is possible to create diatomic helium molecules through ionizing radiation. This process involves breaking down the helium atoms into ions and then recombining them to form diatomic molecules.

2. How does ionizing radiation create diatomic helium molecules?

Ionizing radiation, such as high energy photons or particles, can cause the helium atoms to lose electrons and become ions. These ions can then combine with other ions or atoms to form diatomic helium molecules.

3. What conditions are necessary for the creation of diatomic helium molecules through ionizing radiation?

The creation of diatomic helium molecules through ionizing radiation requires a high energy source, such as a particle accelerator, as well as a low pressure environment to prevent the molecules from immediately breaking apart.

4. Can diatomic helium molecules created through ionizing radiation be stable?

Yes, diatomic helium molecules created through ionizing radiation can be stable under certain conditions. However, they are usually only stable at very low temperatures and pressures, making it difficult to observe them in everyday environments.

5. What applications does the creation of diatomic helium molecules through ionizing radiation have?

The creation of diatomic helium molecules through ionizing radiation has various applications in fields such as nuclear physics, astrophysics, and atmospheric science. It can also be used in research on plasma physics and fusion energy.

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