What does it take for hydrogen to form from protons and electrons?

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SUMMARY

Hydrogen formation from protons and electrons requires that both particles have minimal energy and velocity relative to each other. The process of reverse ionization necessitates energy levels below 20 electron-volts (eV) and the emission of a photon with the appropriate energy to facilitate electron capture. This phenomenon occurs frequently in electrified gas lamps and in the sun's surface layers. Further exploration of proton-electron recombination and the role of O2 in this process is essential for a deeper understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of reverse ionization principles
  • Knowledge of photon emission and energy capture mechanisms
  • Familiarity with the Coulomb force and its implications
  • Basic concepts of atomic structure and electron behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "proton-electron recombination" in quantum mechanics
  • Study "reverse ionization" processes in atomic physics
  • Examine the role of O2 in chemical reactions involving hydrogen
  • Explore literature on "photon capture" and its applications in gas discharge phenomena
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, chemists studying atomic interactions, and anyone interested in the fundamental processes of hydrogen formation and energy dynamics.

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Hi

What does it take for hydrogen to form from protons and electrons?

I have searched quite a bit and the only information that I have so far is from this webpage

http://www.Newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/phy00/phy00843.htm

from the webpage
------------------------------
To form a hydrogen atom, it is required that the electron and proton have
almost no energy, almost no velocity relative to each other.
A hydrogen atom ionizes at less than 20 electron-volts of energy, so
reverse ionization requires energy less than about 20 electron-volts (eV)
AND freedom and luck to radiate a photon of the right energy to render the
electron "captured".
It happens all the time in every electrified gas lamp (fluorescents,
neons, mercury-arc, etc), and in the surface layers of the sun.
---------------------------------------

I have looked for proton electron
recombination
reverse ionization
capture
hydrogen formation

and countless other searches. I’ve looked at the Coulomb force but could not tease any useful information out of it. Nor did a search of Schrödinger solution.

There are 389 posts on this website with the word proton in it (now there is 390). The only post that I could find that alludes to this mechanism is

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=17973&highlight=proton

In this post, the question “So in order for the hydrogen proton and electron to recombine, they must combine with the O2 to form water?” is asked
And Russ Watters answers “Essentially yes”

Why must the recombination happen with O2?Any information or literature that could be suggested would be useful.
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That answer I gave was within the context of a fuel cell.

What was wrong with the answer quoted in the beginning of your post?
 
Thanks Russ

I am looking for more in depth information about the capture process.


I really don't expect an answer to the question but rather someone who can point me in the right direction, something to read.
 

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