superposition/electron energy levels

*granpa*

when an electron in an atom transitions from one shell to another does it do it instantly or is there a time when it is partially in one and partially in the other. in other words in a superposition of both states.

malawi_glenn

In the framework of time-dependent perturbation theory, yes, the state will be a superposition of states, and there is a probability for it to decay to the ground state each unit time.

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granpa	superposition/electron energy levels Tweet when an electron in an atom transitions from one shell to another does it do it instantly or is there a time when it is partially in one and partially in the other. in other words in a superposition of both states.

malawi_glenn Blog Entries: 9 Recognitions: Homework Help Science Advisor	In the framework of time-dependent perturbation theory, yes, the state will be a superposition of states, and there is a probability for it to decay to the ground state each unit time.