What does He-Like or Ni-Like mean?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the meanings of the terms "He-like" and "Ni-like" in the context of atomic ionization and electron configurations. Participants explore the implications of these terms and their relationships to the states of different ions and atoms.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for clarification on the meaning of "He-like" and "Ni-like," suggesting a connection to states of ionization.
  • Another participant explains that "He-like" refers to ions stripped of all but two electrons, resembling helium, while "Ni-like" refers to ions with the same number of electrons as a neutral nickel atom.
  • A different participant points out that nickel has a specific electron configuration and suggests that it could be considered "He-like" due to having two outermost electrons.
  • One participant questions the clarity of the definitions, arguing that if an ion can be stripped to a single electron, it could be considered "H-like," and challenges the usefulness of the "He-like" comparison for other atoms.
  • Another participant confirms that the nucleus remains unchanged when discussing ionization and argues that "He-like" should refer to ions with filled outer shells, suggesting that nickel would not fit this definition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and implications of "He-like" and "Ni-like," indicating that there is no consensus on the clarity and utility of these terms in relation to different atomic states.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of "He-like" and "Ni-like," particularly concerning the conditions under which these terms apply and the implications of electron configurations.

Gobil
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Hi all,

Just wondering what does this mean, I understand it is related to a certain state of ionisation, but I would like to know why they are 'like' other atoms?

thanks!

Gobil
 
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Welcome to PF.

He-like means the ion is stripped of all but 2 electrons. So it has a nucleus and 2 electrons, just like helium.

Ni-like would mean an ion with the same number of electrons as a neutral nickel atom.
 
thanks folks!

The posts are conflicting though, if an ion (regardless of what it is) is stripped to a single electron, we can regard this as being H-like right? In this case does the nucleus remain the same?

Bob S says that an un-ionised Ni atom can be regarded as He-like, because it has two outermost e's. This seems a bit fuzzy, since then there would be a lot more atoms that are He-like, hence rendering the comparison somewhat useless.
 
The nucleus remains the same.
Also, I would have thought that the word "He-like" would be reserved for an ion which not only has 2 electrons, but also that those electrons form a filled outer shell. I.e Ni would not be He like?
This could of course only happens if the system is ionized to the point that only the 1s electrons remain and all other electrons in higher shells have been stripped away.
 

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