What happens if you fire a photon at an atom?

In summary, a photon is a particle of light that carries energy and when it is fired at an atom, it can interact with the electrons in the atom, causing them to absorb or emit energy. This can change the energy level of the atom, and the effect depends on the energy and frequency of the photon, as well as the energy levels of the electrons in the atom. Firing a photon at an atom can also cause chemical reactions, as it can disrupt the stability of the electrons and lead to the formation of new chemical bonds. The applications of firing photons at atoms include laser technology, communication systems, medical imaging, and scientific research on atomic and molecular behavior.
  • #1
hawaiifiver
56
1
I can think of two things. Stimulated Emission and Absorption. Would it be possible to do an experiment where you could control coniditions to allow just these two outomes?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
hawaiifiver said:
I can think of two things. Stimulated Emission and Absorption. Would it be possible to do an experiment where you could control coniditions to allow just these two outomes?

Thanks


Sure; done all the time. Ever hear of lasers.?


...
 
  • #3
Creator said:
Sure; done all the time. Ever hear of lasers.?


...

Yes I have discovered a lot of interesting articles about things like STIRAP and optical pumping and so on.
 

1. What is a photon and what happens when it is fired at an atom?

A photon is a fundamental particle of light that carries energy. When it is fired at an atom, it can interact with the electrons in the atom, causing them to absorb or emit energy in the form of light.

2. Can firing a photon at an atom change the atom's energy level?

Yes, firing a photon at an atom can change its energy level. This is because when a photon is absorbed by an atom, it transfers its energy to the electrons in the atom, causing them to jump to a higher energy level. When the electrons return to their original energy level, they emit a photon of light.

3. What factors determine the effect of firing a photon at an atom?

The effect of firing a photon at an atom depends on the energy and frequency of the photon, as well as the energy levels of the electrons in the atom. If the energy of the photon matches the difference in energy between two levels, the photon will be absorbed and the electrons will jump to a higher level. If the photon has lower energy, it will not be absorbed and will pass through the atom.

4. Can firing a photon at an atom cause chemical reactions?

Yes, firing a photon at an atom can cause chemical reactions. This is because the absorption or emission of a photon can disrupt the stability of the atom's electrons, leading to changes in the arrangement of atoms and the formation of new chemical bonds.

5. What are the applications of firing photons at atoms?

Firing photons at atoms has many applications in modern technology, such as in laser technology, communication systems, and medical imaging. It is also used in scientific research to study the structure and behavior of atoms and molecules.

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