NASA’s Deep Space 1 probe used ion propulsion technology to propel it into outer space. Ion propulsion uses an electric charge to ionize atoms such as xenon. These ions are funneled from the exhaust of the craft at such high speends that it is pushed in the opposite direction and propelled into space. The electrical charge that is used to ionize xenon atoms most likely:
A. cause protons to become neutrons
B. cause electrons to be released from the atoms
C. cause neutrons to be released from the atoms
D. change the atoms into radioactive isotopes
I think it’s B but I’m not sure. What do you think?
Thanks in advance
3 Responses
B should be correct.
A. not likely, and the loss of protons would change it into a different element and no longer be xenon.
C. Also not likely a result from ionization and without affecting a charged particle (proton or electron) it wouldn’t be forming an ion.
D. In the case of Xenon it would require adding neutrons. Aside from being very highly unlikely it also suffers from not being an ion.
B. Ions carry charge, + or -. If electrons were lost or added this would define being an ion and a result of ionization.
Simple answer I know. Feel free to e-mail if you would like me to go into detail on how that all works. Also, note you posted in Biology… asking a similar question in the physics (or chemistry) section could also give you more answers.
It would be B because it is a LOT easier to steal an electron than it is to steal a neutron and it gives the same effect : D
I would say B. The xenon ions are what are accelerated for thrust. Xenon is a noble gas, meaning its shells are filled with electrons and has no tendency to acquire or give up electrons by bonding to other elements. So to make it an ion, the most likely method is to force an electron out of it.
The attached link states that the gas atoms are made into ions by electron bombardment.