can "light" excite an electron from ground state to a higher state?

kjamha

An electron of a particular atom can absorb a discrete amount of energy, leap to a new quantum level, and then jump back down to lower states (emitting photons). My understanding is that going from n=2 to the ground state a photon with a frequency of UV or greater will be emitted. Several textbooks state that electrons can absorb "light" and jump to a higher state. Is it possible for an electron to jump to a higher state (from the ground state) by absorbing visible light?

Ken G

Not in isolated hydrogen atoms, but in other kinds of atoms, yes.

SidBala

There is no difference between UV and visible light except for their wavelengths. I suspect your textbooks mean EM radiation when they mention "light" and not specifically visible light.

my_wan

Wait, was that question meant to ask about 'photons' or 'electrons' in a ground state jumping to higher states?

kjamha

my_wan, I meant electron - Thanks

my_wan

Cool. Yes visible light can also be absorbed. What wavelengths an atom can be absorbed depends on the bandgaps between available and used electron 'orbitals' to appropriately or not imply a quasi-classical picture. The colors of objects are defined by the colors that are not absorbed.

jtbell

n=1 is the ground state.

kjamha

thank you jtbell!