Can microwaves either change the eV of electrons, or move....

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of microwaves to heat and potentially move electrons to higher shell levels in materials such as glass, transparent liquids, and plastics. It is suggested that heat energy is the easiest way to achieve this, as seen in the example of a tungsten filament in a light bulb. However, it is clarified that microwaves do not directly change the energy levels of electrons, but rather excite vibrations in molecules. The discussion also raises questions about the ability of electrons to reside in certain shell levels and how microwaves may be used to get atoms and molecules to higher energy levels.
  • #1
Nicholas Ham
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-the electrons to the same shell levels of glass as the microwaves pass through and heat the material, or move electrons in a opaque material to the same energy levels, or shell levels of glass, and transparent liquids, and some plastics.
In a microwave the waves traverse food, and heat the food up, so I am thinking microwaves traverse solid material, while heating the material up.
But can the same principle be used to move electrons to higher shell levels, but the exact shell level that is in glass material.
Atoms coming together to make a covalent bond changes the eV requirements of electrons to visible light, as when silicon, sodium, and calcium come together to form glass.
The electron energy levels in glass are fixed, for light to transmission through a solid material, but as electrons move to higher shell the levels the eV requirements CHANGE.
I am not 100% sure the the electrons can reside in shell levels 2, or , in a opaque material, and that they do not excite visible light though, even though the electrons are in these shell levels temporarily for milliseconds.
So because microwaves traverse, and heat material, BUT do not get absorbed by electron ( I think) this is a possible way to get electrons to higher shell levels.

I asked a question on a forum about if electrons could move to higher shell levels, and someone said "All sorts of energy can do it, but heat is probably the easiest. If you can get metal up to just over 2000°C it will emit visible light because the electrons are being temporarily boosted to higher shells. Best example of this is the tungsten filament in a light bulb - firing off photons in all directions."
I am grateful for your help, anything helps, even a few words. http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/Smileys/default/cheesy.gif
 
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  • #2
Nicholas Ham said:
But can the same principle be used to move electrons to higher shell levels, but the exact shell level that is in glass material.
The available energy levels are purely given by the molecular/crystal structure. You cannot change the existing energy level with microwaves (unless you melt/evaporate something with heat), you can just change the occupancy.
Nicholas Ham said:
I am not 100% sure the the electrons can reside in shell levels 2, or , in a opaque material, and that they do not excite visible light though, even though the electrons are in these shell levels temporarily for milliseconds.
That does not make sense.
Nicholas Ham said:
So because microwaves traverse, and heat material, BUT do not get absorbed by electron ( I think) this is a possible way to get electrons to higher shell levels.
Absorption and getting electrons, atoms or molecules* to higher energy levels are the same thing in typical materials.

*microwave absorption in water does not change the energy level of electrons, it excites vibrations of whole water molecules.
 
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1. Can microwaves change the energy level of electrons?

Yes, microwaves can change the energy level of electrons. This is because microwaves have a specific frequency that matches the energy level of electrons in atoms and molecules. When the microwaves interact with the electrons, they can absorb and emit energy, causing a change in their energy level.

2. How do microwaves affect the movement of electrons?

Microwaves can affect the movement of electrons through a process called dielectric heating. As the microwaves pass through a material, they cause the molecules to vibrate, which in turn causes the electrons to move. This movement of electrons creates heat, which is why microwaves are commonly used for cooking.

3. Can microwaves move electrons from one atom to another?

No, microwaves cannot move electrons from one atom to another. This is because the energy of microwaves is not high enough to overcome the strong forces that hold electrons in their orbits around the nucleus of an atom. Only high-energy radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays, have the ability to move electrons between atoms.

4. How do microwaves interact with electrons in the atmosphere?

Microwaves can interact with electrons in the atmosphere through a process called scattering. When microwaves encounter electrons in the atmosphere, they can be deflected in different directions. This is why microwaves are used in radar technology to detect objects in the atmosphere, as the scattered microwaves can provide information about the location and movement of these objects.

5. Can microwaves change the spin of electrons?

Yes, microwaves can change the spin of electrons. The spin of an electron is its intrinsic angular momentum, and it can be manipulated by applying external forces, such as magnetic fields or electromagnetic radiation. Microwaves with a specific frequency and polarization can cause changes in the spin of electrons, which has important applications in quantum computing and information processing.

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