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Saha-Ionization-Formula - Complete

The document discusses the Saha Ionization Formula in the context of chemical equilibrium, emphasizing that the Gibbs free energy must be minimized at constant pressure and temperature. It explains the relationship between temperature, pressure, and ionization potential of atoms, highlighting the conditions under which thermal ionization occurs in stellar interiors. Key equations are presented, including those relating to the chemical potential and ideal gas behavior, with references to the work of Bansal, Ghosh, and Garg.

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66 views3 pages

Saha-Ionization-Formula - Complete

The document discusses the Saha Ionization Formula in the context of chemical equilibrium, emphasizing that the Gibbs free energy must be minimized at constant pressure and temperature. It explains the relationship between temperature, pressure, and ionization potential of atoms, highlighting the conditions under which thermal ionization occurs in stellar interiors. Key equations are presented, including those relating to the chemical potential and ideal gas behavior, with references to the work of Bansal, Ghosh, and Garg.

Uploaded by

ishaneechatterjee1609
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UPY20502T : Statistical Mechanics

Department of Physics and Nanotechnology


Faculty of Engineering and Technology
SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Kattankulathur - 603203

Saha Inonization Formula: Unit-4-5


BSc/PHYSICS*
Lecture Notes
September 17, 2023

SC Gaarg, RM Bansal ,and CK Ghosh:Page 579

In chemical equilibrium at constant pressure and temperature


P the Gibbs’
free energy must be minimum, i.e. dG=0 but dG = µi dNi but dNi must
be proportional to number of molecules appearing in the balanced equation,
dNi = λξi , where
P ξi is the StoiChiometric Coefficients. Hence at chemical
equilibrium, i ξi µi = 0. For reaction 2A + B = C, the stoichiometric
coefficients are f or A = 2; B = 1; C = −1
Interiors of stars are extremely hot and Saha argued that in such environments
atomic collisions are rapis and fast so ionization is happening -Thermal ioniza-
tion.
Saha’s ionization formula relates temperature, pressure and ioniza-
tion potential of atoms to its degree of ionization.
Assumptions made
nuclear spin is negligible and only single ionization occurs
A dynamical equilibrium is achieved at particular temeperature due to recom-
bination and ionization of atoms

A ↔ A+ + e −
N V
eµβ = z and z = 
h
and we can include contribution from non-
3
√
2πmkT  
translational degree as z̃(T ) and hence µβ = − ln zz̃(T
N
)

* Dr Alok, 9043892137;UB609/A

1
 √ !3 
V 2πmkT
µ = −kT ln  z̃(T ) (1)
N h

V kT
From ideal gas equation N = p we have
 √ !3 
kT 2πmkT
µ = −kT ln  z̃(T ) (2)
p h

on rearranging
√
 !3 
2πm 5
µ = −kT ln  (kT ) z̃(T ) + kT ln(p)
2 (3)
h

Using molar mass M as m NMA we have


  23 !
2πM 5
µ = −kT ln (kT ) z̃(T )
2 + kT ln(p) (4)
NA h2

which equation (13.121) of Bansal , Ghosh and Garg, where NA is Avogardo’s


number.
Most of reactions we measure energy from ground state and hence z̃(T )A ; z̃(T )+
A
−βE ∗
and for electron z̃(T )−
e = ze e where E ∗ is ionization energy.

2
3

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