[help] about electron-ion collision

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In electron-ion collisions where the ion's velocity exceeds that of the electrons, energy transfer occurs as the high-energy ion can strip electrons from atoms, leading to ionization. Ionization involves an atom transitioning from a neutral state to a charged state by losing or gaining electrons. The energy dynamics suggest that the ion can lose additional electrons upon colliding with a stationary electron, increasing its positive charge. The discussion emphasizes that the energy flow can be complex, with electrons potentially gaining energy from the ion during the collision. Understanding these interactions is crucial for exploring the mechanisms of ionization and energy transport in such collisions.
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Hi there.
What happens during the electron -ion collision when the velocity of ion is higher than that of electrons? How the energy transports? Can ionization happens?
Thank you so much!
 
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I know that bombarding ions with electrons with sufficient energy can result in ionization. The collisions may tend to strip atoms of their electrons.
 
ada_ada_2002 said:
Hi there.
What happens during the electron -ion collision when the velocity of ion is higher than that of electrons? How the energy transports? Can ionization happens?
Thank you so much!

There is no difference between an ion traveling at high velocities compared to an electron and vice versa. Both the electron and the ion could be "seen" to be stationary in relation to the other.
 
Thank you!
One thing I don't understand is: in this condition, the energy of ion is much much higher than that of electron, how can ion gain more energy? (ionization means ion's energy increases, right?)
 
ada_ada_2002 said:
Thank you!
One thing I don't understand is: in this condition, the energy of ion is much much higher than that of electron, how can ion gain more energy? (ionization means ion's energy increases, right?)

Ionization means that an atom will lose or gain 1 or more electrons and go from a neutral atom to a charged one, either positive or negative charge.
A highly energetic Ion colliding with a static electron could cause further electrons to be lost from the Ion, increasing it's positive charge even further. However I think it is usually the opposite case where an electron collides with an atom or ion and causes ionization.
 
Thank you, Drakkith. I will think about it. I can imagine the picture, I am just not clear about the energy flow/transport in this process.
 
ada_ada_2002 said:
Thank you, Drakkith. I will think about it. I can imagine the picture, I am just not clear about the energy flow/transport in this process.

From your frame the electron gains energy from the ion, and if ionization occurs then it uses the kinetic energy of the ion as well.
 

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