Can Ionization Occur in a Centrifuge with a Strong Electric Field?

In summary: Additionally, the centrifuge would need to be constantly spinning, or else the atoms would eventually escape.
  • #1
nuby
336
0
Is it possible to accelerate an atom (i.e. hydrogen), and have the force from acceleration overcome the binding force (between proton and electron), and ionize the hydrogen atom?
 
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  • #2
Any thoughts?
 
  • #3
nuby said:
Is it possible to accelerate an atom (i.e. hydrogen), and have the force from acceleration overcome the binding force (between proton and electron), and ionize the hydrogen atom?

What is the mechanism that you are proposing for acceleration? The typical method to ionize atoms is by adding energy.
 
  • #4
How about an imaginary rocket composed of the material (hydrogen) .
Or a powerful centrifuge?
 
  • #5
That's an interesting question... I would conjecture that yes, it is possible. I don't really have any knowledge of quantum mechanics... however, I would guess something like the following:

For instance, let's say you confine a hydrogen atom in a large vacuum chamber in the center of a special rocket which you can accelerate impulsively, as fast as you want. Then at some acceleration the inertia of the nucleus will be much greater than the inertia of the electron, because the nucleus is significantly more heavy. Hence, at some critical acceleration, I would expect the ionization to occur. Sorry for this being so handwavy.
 
  • #6
Isn't this easier than everyone here is making it out to be?

Stick a hydrogen within a strong electric field and turn it on. The electron accelerates towards the positive end of the E field and the proton towards the negative. Course, you'd have to figure out at what magnitude the E field must be in order to 'break' the atomic bond between the proton and electron.

This is the only true form of acceleration I can think of that would do this. I'm not entirely sure if kicking off the electron via some special wavelength laser is considered a sort of acceleration. Maybe someone else does.

No special rockets needed.
 
  • #7
If the proton and electron are both accelerated uniformly and in the same direction, then no they will not be separated.

Ionization pretty much requires an electric field, so the force on the electron and proton would be in opposite directions. Moreover, the force will produce a much larger acceleration on the electron, so in effect the electron is stripped away from the proton.

"An electric field" can take different forms:

  • A photon with enough energy to ionize the hydrogen
  • A collision with charged particles such as ions or other electrons, as happens in a gas discharge
 
  • #8
In response to blackmatters -- well yes, that would certainly work, however, that's a little bit... boring? :) I assumed the OP was asking about unconventional methods.

In response to redbelly, I do not think that ionization necessarily requires an electric field, at least, not directly. I would be pleased if you commented on the following example.

Assume you have an ultra tiny hammer, and you are able to aim it at the center of a hydrogen atom, so that you strike the nucleus with a higher probability then striking the electron. Then, in this case, if you strike the nucleus hard enough, you will indeed ionize the atom through a mechanical interaction. Hence no electric interaction is necessarily required.
 
  • #9
What about my other example: Can atoms become ionized in a centrifuge with a strong electric field on the centrifuge axis (with a positive or negative charge) (edit) .. Would the atoms become mroe polarized?
 
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  • #10
mordechai9 said:
In response to redbelly, I do not think that ionization necessarily requires an electric field, at least, not directly. I would be pleased if you commented on the following example.

Assume you have an ultra tiny hammer, and you are able to aim it at the center of a hydrogen atom, so that you strike the nucleus with a higher probability then striking the electron. Then, in this case, if you strike the nucleus hard enough, you will indeed ionize the atom through a mechanical interaction. Hence no electric interaction is necessarily required.

When normal mechanical objects hit each other, it is electrostatic repulsion that gives rise to the force they exert on each other. So, in your example, it is still an electric field producing the force. However, you have confined the field to act on the nucleus rather than the electron. (EDIT:) So in that respect, it is different than the examples I gave.
 
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  • #11
nuby said:
What about my other example: Can atoms become ionized in a centrifuge with a strong electric field on the centrifuge axis (with a positive or negative charge) (edit) .. Would the atoms become mroe polarized?

If it were possible, it would be highly impractical. The centrifuge material would need to withstand forces that are strong enough to ionize hydrogen.
 

What is ionization by acceleration?

Ionization by acceleration refers to the process of atoms or molecules gaining or losing electrons through the acceleration of charged particles, such as electrons or protons. This acceleration can occur naturally in phenomena such as lightning or can be artificially induced in particle accelerators.

How does ionization by acceleration occur?

Ionization by acceleration occurs when a charged particle, such as an electron or proton, collides with an atom or molecule and transfers enough energy to either remove an electron from the atom or molecule, or excite the atom or molecule to a higher energy state. This results in the formation of ions, or charged particles.

What are the applications of ionization by acceleration?

Ionization by acceleration has a wide range of applications in various fields, including nuclear physics, medical imaging and treatments, and industrial processes. It is also used in the study of atmospheric and space physics, as well as in the development of new materials.

What factors affect ionization by acceleration?

The amount of ionization by acceleration depends on several factors, such as the energy and type of the charged particle, the nature of the target atom or molecule, and the distance and angle of the collision. The density of the medium in which the collision occurs can also affect the ionization process.

Why is ionization by acceleration important in the study of particle physics?

Ionization by acceleration plays a crucial role in particle physics as it allows scientists to study the properties of subatomic particles and their interactions. By observing the ionization patterns resulting from particle collisions, researchers can gain valuable insights into the fundamental building blocks of the universe and their behavior.

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