What is the maximal velocity of atoms with at least one electron?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter new_r
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Atoms Velocity
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the maximal velocity of atoms that possess at least one electron, exploring both terrestrial and astronomical contexts. Participants inquire about the speeds achieved by ionized atoms and the mechanisms behind electron loss during acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that atoms can reach velocities very close to the speed of light, though they express uncertainty about how close.
  • One participant doubts that velocities have ever exceeded 0.1 to 0.5 times the speed of light and requests supporting sources.
  • Another participant mentions that beam injection linacs at CERN or Fermilab use beams of negative hydrogen ions that can reach hundreds of MeV, corresponding to about 0.7 times the speed of light.
  • There is a question about whether the discussion pertains to velocities achieved on Earth or includes astronomical data.
  • One participant questions the relevance of the number of electrons to the velocity of atoms, suggesting that high-energy atoms have been observed on Earth and noting that cosmic alpha rays are the only known moving atoms in space.
  • Another participant raises a query regarding the mechanisms behind atoms losing electrons during acceleration, seeking clarification on this point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the maximum velocities of atoms and the significance of electron count, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not established clear definitions of "maximal velocity" or the conditions under which these velocities are measured, leading to potential ambiguities in the discussion.

new_r
Messages
33
Reaction score
0
Hello,
I am looking what maximal velocity was reached for some atoms
which have at least 1 electron.
It can be ionized atoms, but still must have at least one electron.
Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Very close to the speed of light, but I don't know how close.
 
Gordianus said:
Very close to the speed of light, but I don't know how close.

Thank you for your answer and sorry for my English.
But I still doubt it was ever exceeded 0.1 - 0.5 c.
Maybe I am wrong. Could you support with some sources?
Thank you.
 
Last edited:
It would first help to know if you are looking for a velocity achieved here on Earth or if astronomical sources count.

I don't know if they are the fastest ions on earth, but beam injection linacs at CERN or Fermilab routinely use beams of negative hydrogen ions in the hundreds of MeV range before stripping all the electrons off for acceleration to High Energy. (see e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tevatron) That only corresponds to a gamma of about 1.5, or about 0.7 times the speed of light. It's quite possible that someone has run an experiment with faster ions, I just don't know of one off the top of my head.
 
krysith said:
It would first help to know if you are looking for a velocity achieved here on Earth or if astronomical sources count.

Yes, on Earth. But if you have astronomical data it would be interesting also.
Thank you
 
krysith said:
beam injection linacs at CERN or Fermilab routinely use beams of negative hydrogen ions in the hundreds of MeV range before stripping all the electrons off for acceleration to High Energy.

I forget to ask about why atoms lost electrons?
 
I don't think the number of electron would effect the velocity of atom. Did you mean this way?

Any way, high energy "atoms" were observed on earth. Also, the only cosmic moving atoms were known to be alpha rays.(we can accelrt our atom far more faster than cosmic alpha ray :D)
 
Black Integra said:
I don't think the number of electron would effect the velocity of atom. Did you mean this way?

No, but if we have only 0.7c atoms with at least one electron
must be some mechanism/reason why or how they lost electrons for future acceleration?
 

Similar threads

Can every atom be transformed into a noble gas?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Sign of potential term in Lagrangian mechanics
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Why do atoms want to complete their shells?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Undergrad Will an electron release energy when it is added into an atom?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Graduate Can a beam of photons accelerate an atom or object?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Deriving the ionization energy of a hydrogen atom
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Graduate What Are the Final Electronic and Ionic States of 72Ga After Decay to 72Ge?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Two hydrogen atoms and Pauli's exclusion principle
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Undergrad Direction of an ionized electron's travel
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
Undergrad Can Having Electrons in Energy Levels Indicate Ionisation of Atoms?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K