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A simple formula for calculating the ionization potential of two-electron ions

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Abstract

The ionization potential of one-electron ions can be calculated from a well-known simple equation, but no such equation has been available for calculating the ionization potential of multi-electron ions. I report here an equation that accurately gives the ionization potential of helium-like (i.e., two-electron) ions as a function of the atomic number, the relative difference from experimental values being below 1% for all ions for which reliable experimental data were found (Z = 3–29). The equation also predicts the stability of the negative hydrogen ion (the hydride ion), H−, although with twice too large a value for the ionization potential.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Biocenter 2), 00014, Helsinki, Finland

    Hannu Elo

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  1. Hannu Elo
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Correspondence to Hannu Elo.

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Elo, H. A simple formula for calculating the ionization potential of two-electron ions. Naturwissenschaften 94, 779–780 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-007-0248-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-007-0248-9

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