- #1
Josiah
- 41
- 2
- TL;DR
- I was just wondering about the ionisation of solids.
Hi, is it possible to ionise a solid, so that it has no electrons left?
Josiah
Josiah
Is it possible to ionise a solid, so that it has no electrons left?
- Context: High School
- Thread starter Josiah
- Start date
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- Tags
- Ionization Quantum Solid
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the possibility of fully ionizing a solid to the point where it has no electrons left. It explores the implications of such ionization on the structural integrity of the solid, particularly focusing on different types of materials such as insulators and conductors.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question the feasibility of ionizing a solid completely, particularly regarding what would hold the nuclei together if all electrons are removed.
- One participant suggests that while it is possible to ionize a solid at the surface of insulators using UV light, this process leads to the ejection of particles due to the positive nuclear charge, which could destabilize the solid.
- Another participant argues that conductive materials, such as metals, would not be able to be fully ionized in the same manner because they possess a cloud of free electrons that helps maintain structural integrity.
- There is a humorous response questioning the implications of such ionization, indicating a light-hearted approach to the serious inquiry.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the possibility of fully ionizing solids, with some suggesting it is feasible under certain conditions while others argue against it, particularly for conductive materials. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include the dependence on material properties (insulators vs. conductors) and the specific conditions under which ionization occurs, such as the use of UV light and the state of the material (e.g., wet vs. dry).
- #2
DrClaude
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What would hold the atoms (nuclei) together?Josiah said:
Remove too many electrons and the remaining ions will fly apart (for instance by stripping away electrons using laser fields, see e.g., Coulomb explosion).
- #3
Baluncore
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Yes, but only at the surface of insulators. UV light ionises atoms and molecules on the surface of dry plastic polymers. Those particles are then ejected from the solid by the positive nuclear charge because the bonds have been removed. Keeping the surface of a plastic wet transports electrons to ionised sites before the local damage can eject a particle.Josiah said:
No, for conductive materials. Metals will remain intact because they share an internal cloud of free electrons. The positive charged solid attracts or scavenges any stray electrons that may come nearby, then shares them out to where they are needed.
- #4
Vanadium 50
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Um, the sound of the kaboom?DrClaude said:
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