What happens when ion pairs recombine?

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In summary, when an ionizing radiation source, such as alpha particles, is present in a gas, it causes the ionization of the gas and the subsequent recombination of ion pairs into atoms. This results in the release of excess energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. However, when an alpha source is exposed to air, this recombination of ion pairs does not typically result in visible light emission. However, it is possible to see x-rays through a process called x-ray fluorescence, which is usually done with solids rather than gases.
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Chunky1106
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As far as I know:

When an source of ionizing radiation, such as alpha particles, Americium-241 for example, is present in a gas it results in the ionization (stripping of electrons from atomic nuclei) of the gas to form ion pairs. When these ion pairs recombine (radiative recombination) into atoms, excess energy is released from the atom in the form of a photon of electromagnetic radiation. The energy of the photon is equivalent to the energy of the free electron - the energy of the bound electron energy level.

If I am correct so far then how come when an alpha source is exposed to air, the recombination of the ion pairs produced from the air (nitrogen and oxygen etc) does not cause the emission of visible light, or any other wavelength/frequency of electromagnetic radiation far that matter. Or does it?

Thanks, Kieran
 
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  • #2
It does. You can see x-rays through a process called x-ray fluorescence. This is usually done with solids rather than gasses.
 

Related to What happens when ion pairs recombine?

What is an ion pair?

An ion pair is a positively charged ion and a negatively charged ion that are attracted to each other due to their opposite charges.

What happens when ion pairs recombine?

When ion pairs recombine, the positively and negatively charged ions come back together to form a neutral atom or molecule. This process releases energy in the form of heat or light.

How do ion pairs form?

Ion pairs form when an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons, resulting in a positive or negative charge. These charged particles are then attracted to each other, forming an ion pair.

What factors affect the recombination rate of ion pairs?

The recombination rate of ion pairs can be affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of other molecules or ions. Higher temperatures and pressures generally increase the rate of recombination, while the presence of other molecules or ions can either increase or decrease the rate depending on their charge and interaction with the ions.

Why is the recombination of ion pairs important?

The recombination of ion pairs is important in many chemical and physical processes. It plays a crucial role in the formation of molecules, the conductivity of materials, and the behavior of plasmas, among others. Understanding the recombination process is essential for many scientific fields, including chemistry, physics, and atmospheric science.

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