Kinetic Energy and Radiant Energy levels

In summary, the threshold for an atom to emit a photon is when its electron becomes excited to a higher state, creating an excited electron and hole. Kinetic energy can be added in variable amounts, but it is not possible to make atoms "glow" by accelerating them as collisions are necessary to convert kinetic energy into internal energy.
  • #1
GoldenAtlantis
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I was wondering how much kinetic energy needs to occur in atom until it emits a photon. For example if you accelerate an atom (like LINAC) what energy and speed is needed for it to emit energy? Or if you heat/vibrate up a copper plate and it starts to glow, what kinetic energy is needed for the emission to start occurring?

My reasoning on it: I assume that the point at which the atom can emit a photon is at the point where the atoms electron that is the farthest away from the nucleus can become excited to a higher state creating an excited electron and hole. At which time it will decay/de-excite and emit a photon. Before this threshold the atom will just hold the kinetic energy (vibration, rotation, translational)?

Given that kinetic energy can be given to the atom in variable amounts (not quantified, quanta)? If you accelerate an atom below the point of exciting its electrons then no energy will be emitted (photons). This being true then if kinetic energy is added beyond the threshold of exciting the farthest out electron, then the kinetic energy will become quantified and will excite the atom where a hole and excited atom will be created and a fixed photon will be emitted. So for example if you accelerate a hydrogen atom before the ionization energy then the atom will stay kinetic, but if you excite to 1312.0 kJ/mol then it will ionize and then with recombination emit a photon. Is this right?

Any sources would be great.
 
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  • #2
For an isolated atom/molecule, there is no way to couple the internal and external degrees of freedom. In other words, there is no mechanism that would convert kinetic energy to, e.g., electronic or vibrational energy. Therefore, it is not possible to make atoms "glow" by accelerating them.

Collisions are necessary to convert the kinetic energy into internal energy.
 

What is kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is calculated by the mass of the object multiplied by its velocity squared.

How is kinetic energy related to radiant energy?

Radiant energy is a form of electromagnetic energy that is emitted or transmitted in the form of waves or particles. When an object possesses kinetic energy, its particles are in motion, which means they are also emitting radiant energy.

What is the difference between potential and kinetic energy?

Potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its position or state, while kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. In other words, potential energy is stored energy, while kinetic energy is energy in motion.

How does the temperature of an object affect its kinetic energy?

The temperature of an object is directly related to its kinetic energy. As the temperature of an object increases, its particles begin to move faster, resulting in an increase in kinetic energy. On the other hand, as the temperature decreases, the particles slow down and the kinetic energy decreases.

What are some examples of objects with high kinetic energy?

Objects with high kinetic energy are typically those that are moving at a high speed or have a large mass. Some examples include a car in motion, a bullet being fired from a gun, and a rollercoaster on its track.

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