What would we percieve ions as in our eyes?

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    Eyes Ions
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the visual perception of ions, particularly in the context of their behavior in different states. When electrons are present, ions form a plasma that appears bright if sufficiently dense. In contrast, the absence of electrons leads to a Coulomb explosion, which can result in an observable explosion or complete invisibility depending on the explosion's intensity. This exploration highlights the complex interactions between ions and electrons in various conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of plasma physics
  • Knowledge of Coulomb's law
  • Familiarity with atomic structure and electron behavior
  • Basic principles of high school physics
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  • Research the properties of plasma and its visual characteristics
  • Study Coulomb explosions and their implications in physics
  • Explore the behavior of ions in different states of matter
  • Investigate the role of electron density in determining visibility
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High school students, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of ions and their interactions with electrons.

Cash Fulton
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I'm in high school and a physics novice. I have been wondering what would an object constructed of ions look like if we could see them? Is this a dumb question and there is a obvious answer I'm not thinking up for some reason?
 
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If the electrons are still around, it would be a plasma. If it is sufficiently dense, it looks bright.
If the electrons are not around any more, you get a Coulomb explosion. If it is sufficiently dense, you see an explosion. Or nothing at all any more, if the explosion is strong enough...
 
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mfb said:
If the electrons are still around, it would be a plasma. If it is sufficiently dense, it looks bright.
If the electrons are not around any more, you get a Coulomb explosion. If it is sufficiently dense, you see an explosion. Or nothing at all any more, if the explosion is strong enough...
Ah thank you, friend.
 

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