Hydrogen excitation, ionisation and photon absorption

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the ionization percentage and the percentage of hydrogen atoms in the n=2 excited state at a temperature of 10,000 Kelvin. The Boltzmann factor is identified as a key concept for determining these percentages. Additionally, the NIST database is suggested as a resource for finding the absorption cross section of hydrogen atoms in the n=2 state for the H-alpha line at 656.28 nm.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Boltzmann factor in statistical mechanics
  • Familiarity with hydrogen atom energy levels and excitation states
  • Knowledge of ionization processes in atomic physics
  • Access to the NIST database for atomic data
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Boltzmann distribution and its application in calculating ionization and excitation percentages
  • Explore the concept of absorption cross sections for hydrogen and other elements
  • Investigate the NIST database for atomic and molecular data, specifically for hydrogen
  • Learn about the significance of the H-alpha line in astrophysics and spectroscopy
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in atomic physics, astrophysics, and spectroscopy, particularly those studying hydrogen atom behavior at high temperatures.

Raezeman
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I need help with something that i seemed to remember was fairly easy, but just can't seem to find the simple formula for:

I have an amount of hydrogen atoms at a temperature of 10000 Kelvin. What percentage of them are ionised and what percentage of them are in the n=2 excited state.

Secondly, where could i find the absorption cross section of a hydrogen atom in the n=2 state for the wavelength 656.28 nm? (aka Halpha line)
 
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What percentage of them are ionised
That will depend on the density.

and what percentage of them are in the n=2 excited state.
See "Boltzmann factor".

Secondly, where could i find the absorption cross section of a hydrogen atom in the n=2 state for the wavelength 656.28 nm? (aka Halpha line)
The NIST database could have that, not sure.
 

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