MATHPH In the literature: open

No atom binds two extra electrons

In plain words

Experiments find no stable atom carrying two extra electrons. Prove from the Schrodinger equation that $N_c(Z) \le Z + 1$ for every element.

Precise statement

With $H_{N,Z}$ and $N_c(Z)$ as in mathph.ionization.excess-charge-bound (static nucleus, nonrelativistic, spin $1/2$ electrons), prove $N_c(Z) \le Z + 1$ for all $Z \ge 1$, or exhibit $Z$ with $N_c(Z) \ge Z + 2$. A computer-assisted proof for small $Z$ combined with an asymptotic argument for large $Z$ would count.

What would settle it

A proof that $E(N, Z) = E(N-1, Z)$ for every $N \ge Z + 2$ and every $Z$, i.e. that no ion with two or more extra electrons has a bound ground state.

Status in the literature

Lieb's bound $N_c < 2Z + 1$ gives this statement only for hydrogen ($Z = 1$); no stable doubly charged atomic negative ion has been observed.

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