Thinking about electronic collisions with hydrogen.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the interactions between an electron and a hydrogen atom at rest, specifically examining the outcomes of inelastic and elastic collisions. It establishes that an electron with energy below 13.6 eV will likely result in scattering, while energies above this threshold will lead to absorption of the electron. The conversation also touches on the ionization potential of the hydrogen anion (H-), suggesting that understanding this concept is crucial for a complete analysis of the collision outcomes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure and electron configurations
  • Knowledge of collision theory in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with energy levels in hydrogen atoms
  • Basic principles of ionization energy and potential
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the energy levels of hydrogen and their implications for electron collisions
  • Study the principles of inelastic and elastic collisions in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the ionization potential of hydrogen anions (H-)
  • Investigate experimental methods for measuring electron scattering and absorption
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those focused on atomic interactions, quantum mechanics, and electron behavior in atomic systems.

IHateMayonnaise
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This seems like such a simple question and I feel like an idiot asking it, but here goes:

If we have a hydrogen atom (not molecule) at "rest" and we shoot an electron at it with a certain known energy, what could happen?

To me, it seems as though there are two distinct outcomes; either the electron is absorbed in an inelastic collision, or scattered in an elastic collision.

What are the approximate threshold values for these cases? I.e. if I send in an electron that has energy less than the ground state of hydrogen (say 5 eV) it seems to me that scattering would occur. And it seems like this would be the case all the way up to right before 13.6ev, and anything more would result in absorption.

Is my thinking flawed? Should I be thinking more of what the ionization potential of what H^- should be?

Thanks Yall

IHateMayonnaise
 
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