Extra Energy from Photon Absorption

In summary, when an electron absorbs a photon with more energy than needed to jump one energy level but not two, the extra energy is not absorbed and the electron cannot jump to a higher energy level. This is because the probability for photon absorption at specific energy levels is very narrow and the photon must have the same energy as the energy difference between the levels in order to be absorbed.
  • #1
nothing123
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Quick question: when an electron absorbs a photon with MORE THAN enough energy to jump one energy level but not two, what happens to the extra energy the electron doesn't absorb?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
If there's no state for it to jump to by absorbing the whole photon, it can't absorb the photon.
 
  • #3
The probability, or cross sections for photon absorption for bond levels in atoms are extremely peaked at the frequency of the transition, [tex] h\nu = E_u - E_l [/tex], pretty much like delta functions. Well, they're actually Lorenzian profiles, but the width is extremely small, ~[tex]10^{-4} \AA [/tex] for most transitions. If the photon doesn't have essentially the same energy as the energy difference of the levels, it won't get absorbed.
 

What is extra energy from photon absorption?

Extra energy from photon absorption is a phenomenon that occurs when a photon, which is a particle of light, is absorbed by an atom or molecule. The energy from the photon is transferred to the atom or molecule, resulting in an increase in its energy level.

How does extra energy from photon absorption occur?

When a photon is absorbed by an atom or molecule, it interacts with the electrons within the atom or molecule. This interaction causes the electrons to transition to a higher energy level, resulting in the absorption of the photon's energy.

What is the significance of extra energy from photon absorption?

Extra energy from photon absorption plays a crucial role in many natural processes, such as photosynthesis and vision. It also has important applications in technology, including solar panels and optical sensors.

What factors can affect the amount of extra energy from photon absorption?

The amount of extra energy from photon absorption can be affected by the energy of the photon, the properties of the absorbing material, and the angle at which the photon interacts with the material. Additionally, the presence of other molecules or atoms in the surrounding environment can also influence the amount of energy transferred.

Can extra energy from photon absorption be controlled or manipulated?

Yes, extra energy from photon absorption can be controlled and manipulated through various means. For example, scientists can adjust the energy of the photon or the properties of the absorbing material to influence the amount of energy transferred. This can be useful in designing more efficient solar cells or developing new technologies for light-based communication.

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