Kinda new to this stuff, is there anything that makes electrons more

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    Electrons
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the factors influencing the ionization of electrons, particularly what might make electrons more susceptible to ionization and whether there are any catalysts that could reduce the energy required for this process. Participants explore concepts related to electron configuration, ionization energy, and specific phenomena like tunnel ionization.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that ionization energy is influenced by electron configuration, noting that atoms with full valence shells require more energy for ionization compared to those with open spots.
  • There is a question about whether diatomic hydrogen (H2) would ionize more easily than monoatomic hydrogen, with a focus on the removal of electrons rather than the addition of them.
  • Participants inquire about the existence of "catalysts" that could facilitate ionization by lowering the energy required, though this remains speculative.
  • One participant humorously suggests changing fundamental constants, such as the fine structure constant, as a hypothetical means to alter ionization energy, but acknowledges the impracticality of such an idea.
  • References to popular culture, such as a Star Trek episode, are made to illustrate the absurdity of changing fundamental physical constants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the existence of catalysts for ionization energy and engage in a light-hearted debate about the feasibility of altering fundamental constants. There is no consensus on the main question of how to make electrons more susceptible to ionization.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of ionization and the role of electron configuration, but these are not fully explored or resolved. The concept of tunnel ionization is mentioned but lacks detailed exploration or references.

Qaiphyx
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more... susceptible to ionization?

Basically so that less energy is required for ionization.
 
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Not exactly sure what you mean, but the ionization energy depends on the electron configuration. It takes a lot more energy to add an electron to an atom whose valence shell is completely full than to add an electron to one whose valence shell has one open spot.

So, for example, a Hydrogen atom (H) is very easy to ionize to an H-. That's why you almost never find hydrogen atoms alone; it's almost always found as H2 gas, because the valence shell is then full for both nuclei (protons)
 
Well, talking in the matter of classic ionization, where you put enough energy into the electron that it leaves the shell.

So as to that, then H2 gas would ionize easier than monoatomic hydrogen right?(removing an electron not adding)

Are there any "catalysts" per say that help this reaction so that less energy will ionize the atoms?

I was also reading about tunnel ionization, there wasnt much information on it though does anyone have a site that explains it more in depth?
 
I'm not aware of any "catalysts" for changing the ionization energy of an atom. Change the fine structure constant maybe? :)
 
peter0302 said:
I'm not aware of any "catalysts" for changing the ionization energy of an atom. Change the fine structure constant maybe? :)

Hm, yah I am not to familiar(Still pretty new to all this) with that but reading up on it that kinda sounds what I was wondering about. Do you have any good information sites on this?

How can you change the strength of the electromagnetic interaction?
 
I was being facetious. You can't.

Ever see the Star Trek TNG episode where Q becomes human? When brainstorming on how to prevent a moon from crashing into the planet, Q said "Change the gravitational constant of the universe." Uh huh.
 
peter0302 said:
I was being facetious. You can't.

Ever see the Star Trek TNG episode where Q becomes human? When brainstorming on how to prevent a moon from crashing into the planet, Q said "Change the gravitational constant of the universe." Uh huh.


oh, haha gotcha.
 

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