Interaction time between charged particles

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of interaction time between charged particles, specifically focusing on how the velocity of an incoming electron affects its ability to ionize an atom. Participants explore the relationship between particle velocity, energy transfer, and ionization outcomes in various scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether there is an interaction time that affects ionization when an electron approaches an atom, suggesting that slower electrons might allow for more complete interactions.
  • Another participant asserts that ionization does depend on the velocity of the incoming electron, indicating that higher velocities generally lead to increased likelihood of ionization, while very low velocities may not cause ionization at all.
  • A participant expresses confusion about why slower charged particles might cause more ionization than faster ones, prompting further exploration of energy ranges and their effects on ionization.
  • There is a discussion about energy transfer in collisions involving protons and deuterons, with a participant noting that heavier particles may result in lower energy transfer during neutron collisions, raising questions about which particle would cause more ionization.
  • One participant distinguishes between ionization and elastic scattering, suggesting that these processes should be considered separately in the context of energy transfer and interaction outcomes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between particle velocity and ionization, with some suggesting a complex interplay of energy ranges that affects ionization outcomes. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific conditions under which different velocities lead to varying ionization effects.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding the precise mechanisms of ionization related to particle velocity and energy transfer, with participants acknowledging the complexity of the interactions involved.

oksuz_
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Hi,

I was wondering that if there is some kind of interaction time between two charged particles. Imagine an electron shoot to ionize an atom. This electron interacts one of the electrons in the atom. Does the ionization depend on the velocity of the incoming electron? Is it possible that when it is slower than a certain velocity, it causes ionization, however, after this certain velocity, it does not cause ionization? To me, there should be enough time for a certain distance between the two in order to cause ionization. If the incoming electron is too fast, there would not be enough time for complete interaction which causes ionization.

Any comment would be appreciated.
 
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oksuz_ said:
Does the ionization depend on the velocity of the incoming electron?
Yes, as the velocity determines the energy, for example. In general higher velocities are more likely to lead to ionization, and if the velocity is too low you cannot ionize an atom at all.

There is no "minimal ionization time" or anything like that.
 
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mfb said:
Yes, as the velocity determines the energy, for example. In general higher velocities are more likely to lead to ionization, and if the velocity is too low you cannot ionize an atom at all.

There is no "minimal ionization time" or anything like that.
I was just trying to understand why slower charged particles cause more ionization than those faster.

When a proton and a deuteron were hit by neutrons, the energy transfer would be lower for the neutron-deuteron collision since deuteron is heavier. So, there would be two like & equal charged particles with different energies. In that situation, which particle can cause more ionization?

thank you.
 
oksuz_ said:
I was just trying to understand why slower charged particles cause more ionization than those faster.
Well, it depends on the energy range. At low energies more energy means more ionization, then there is a range where it goes down, and then there is a range where it goes up again.

oksuz_ said:
When a proton and a deuteron were hit by neutrons, the energy transfer would be lower for the neutron-deuteron collision since deuteron is heavier. So, there would be two like & equal charged particles with different energies. In that situation, which particle can cause more ionization?
Ionization and elastic scattering are different processes.
 

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