Q24.57 P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

What is a cation-electron pair, and how does it form?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Cation-electron pair is formed when a nucleus is hit with ionizing radiation.

Step 1: Cation-electron pair

Cation-electron pair general form is $M{}^{\begin{array}{l}+\\ .\end{array}}$ It contains both positive charge and a free radical on an atom/molecule.

 

Step 2: Explanation

All radioactivity causes ionization in surrounding matter, as the emissions collide with atoms and dislodge electrons:

Atom +ionizing radiation $\to {\text{ion}}^{\text{+}}{\text{+e}}^{\text{-}}$  

From each ionization event, a cation and a free electron result, and the number of such cation-electron pairs produced is directly related to the energy of the incoming ionizing radiation.

Hence When a nucleus is bombarded with ionising radiation, a cation-electron pair forms.