Emission of a Photon: Origin and Role of Electron Constituents

In summary, electrons emit photons when they transition from one energy level to another. The photon comes from a three-way interaction vertex that allows electrons to emit or absorb them spontaneously. The transition is a gradual one, and the atom in a transition actually has an expectation value for a dipole moment.
  • #36
Fact that use of m as symbol for relativistic mass is outdated was the whole point of mfd's comment, and the reason for your reply to denisfl8 being at very least incomplete.

Mass, without qualifier, is assumed to be invariant mass. If you want to talk about relativistic mass, you should qualify that for clarity. Were you to reply that, "Energy is equivalent to relativistic mass," there would be no complaint.
 
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  • #37
K^2 said:
Fact that use of m as symbol for relativistic mass is outdated was the whole point of mfd's comment, and the reason for your reply to denisfl8 being at very least incomplete.

Mass, without qualifier, is assumed to be invariant mass. If you want to talk about relativistic mass, you should qualify that for clarity. Were you to reply that, "Energy is equivalent to relativistic mass," there would be no complaint.
Oh,sorry for that.
 
<h2>1. What is a photon?</h2><p>A photon is a fundamental particle of light that carries electromagnetic energy. It has no mass and travels at the speed of light.</p><h2>2. How is a photon emitted?</h2><p>A photon is emitted when an electron in an atom transitions from a higher energy level to a lower energy level. This transition causes the electron to release energy in the form of a photon.</p><h2>3. What is the role of electrons in the emission of a photon?</h2><p>Electrons are the primary constituents responsible for the emission of photons. As they move between energy levels, they emit photons of specific wavelengths, which determine the color of light.</p><h2>4. Can photons be emitted by other particles besides electrons?</h2><p>Yes, photons can be emitted by other particles as well, such as protons and neutrons. However, electrons are the most common particles involved in the emission of photons.</p><h2>5. What is the significance of photon emission in various fields of science?</h2><p>Photon emission is essential in various fields of science, including optics, astrophysics, and quantum mechanics. It helps us understand the behavior of light, the structure of atoms, and the properties of matter at a subatomic level.</p>

1. What is a photon?

A photon is a fundamental particle of light that carries electromagnetic energy. It has no mass and travels at the speed of light.

2. How is a photon emitted?

A photon is emitted when an electron in an atom transitions from a higher energy level to a lower energy level. This transition causes the electron to release energy in the form of a photon.

3. What is the role of electrons in the emission of a photon?

Electrons are the primary constituents responsible for the emission of photons. As they move between energy levels, they emit photons of specific wavelengths, which determine the color of light.

4. Can photons be emitted by other particles besides electrons?

Yes, photons can be emitted by other particles as well, such as protons and neutrons. However, electrons are the most common particles involved in the emission of photons.

5. What is the significance of photon emission in various fields of science?

Photon emission is essential in various fields of science, including optics, astrophysics, and quantum mechanics. It helps us understand the behavior of light, the structure of atoms, and the properties of matter at a subatomic level.

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