What is electron emission or absorption of a photon?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of an electron emitting or absorbing a photon, separate from any changes in energy or orbit. Four possibilities are presented, including the idea of the photon being physically absorbed into the electron and the concept of shape not applying on a quantum scale. It is also mentioned that the true physical process of emission and absorption on a quantum scale is not fully understood and may only be useful for calculating outcomes. Finally, it is suggested that the photon simply transfers its energy to the electron without the need for a shape concept.
  • #1
chaszz
59
2
What is meant when it is said that an electron emits or absorbs a photon (leaving aside the aspect of heightened or reduced energy states and orbit changes, which I understand.) ?

I see four possibilities:

1. Whether the electron is a particle or a wave or some combination of the two, the photon is actually physically absorbed into the electron somehow. If so, does it keep its shape as a particle, a wave or a combination of the two, or does its shape dissolve into the electron's shape?
2. The concept of shape used in 1. is a macro scale concept and does not apply in any meaningful way on the quantum scale.
3. We have little or no idea of what actually physically happens on the quantum scale, and the concepts of emission and absorbsion are useful in helping us calculate outcomes which is all we can really do.
4. The questioner (me) has no idea what he is even asking, and therefore the preceding three options are not even wrong.
 
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  • #2
i'd say the photon vanishes and transfers its energy to the electron(or whatever the physical system the electron is in), no "shape" concept is needed
 

1. What is electron emission?

Electron emission refers to the process of an electron being released from an atom or molecule. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as thermal energy, electric fields, or absorption of a photon.

2. What is electron absorption?

Electron absorption is the process in which an electron absorbs energy and moves to a higher energy state within an atom or molecule. This can occur through interactions with other particles, such as photons.

3. How does a photon cause electron emission or absorption?

When a photon interacts with an atom or molecule, it transfers its energy to an electron, causing it to either be emitted or absorbed. The amount of energy transferred depends on the frequency of the photon, which is related to its wavelength.

4. What is the difference between electron emission and absorption?

Electron emission and absorption are opposite processes. In emission, an electron is released from an atom or molecule, while in absorption, an electron is gained by an atom or molecule. The direction of energy transfer and the resulting change in energy levels are what differentiate these two processes.

5. Why is understanding electron emission and absorption important?

Understanding electron emission and absorption is crucial in many fields, including physics, chemistry, and engineering. These processes play a significant role in the behavior of matter and the transfer of energy in various systems. They also have practical applications, such as in the development of electronic devices and technologies.

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