Ionisation -- where does the electron go?

Thread starter ted.hb
Start date Jul 11, 2014
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Electron

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When an electron is ionized, it is completely removed from the atom, resulting in a positively charged ion. The freed electron does not remain bound to the atom and instead exists as a free particle in the surrounding environment. This free electron can interact with other atoms or molecules, potentially causing further ionization or excitation. The behavior of the free electron is influenced by external forces, such as electric and magnetic fields. Understanding the fate of ionized electrons is crucial in fields like plasma physics and astrophysics.

Jul 11, 2014

ted.hb

I understand that when an electron is excited it goes to a higher energy level and then relaxes to ground state releasing a photon; however, after ionisation of an electron takes place, where does the electron go if it is "removed" from the atom.

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Jul 11, 2014

Bandersnatch

Science Advisor

It just floats around freely, just like the parent ion.

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