Ionisation -- where does the electron go?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ted.hb
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Electron
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Ionisation occurs when an electron is completely removed from an atom, resulting in a free electron and a positively charged ion. The free electron does not remain bound to the atom and instead moves freely in space, influenced by electromagnetic forces. This process is fundamental in fields such as atomic physics and quantum mechanics, where the behavior of electrons post-ionisation is crucial for understanding various phenomena.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of atomic structure and electron configuration
  • Familiarity with concepts of energy levels and photon emission
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic forces and their effects on charged particles
  • Introduction to quantum mechanics principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the process of electron excitation and photon emission in detail
  • Explore the principles of ionisation energy and its measurement
  • Study the behavior of free electrons in different environments, such as gases and plasmas
  • Learn about the applications of ionisation in spectroscopy and astrophysics
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on atomic and quantum physics, as well as researchers interested in the behavior of electrons post-ionisation.

ted.hb
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It just floats around freely, just like the parent ion.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K