Question about photon absorbtion/emission by hydrogen

In summary, the conversation discussed the interaction between a 20eV photon and hydrogen gas in a physics class. It was noted that 13.6eV is needed to knock electrons off the atoms from the ground state after the photon is absorbed, leaving 6.4eV remaining. The question was raised whether all of this energy goes into the kinetic energy of the electron or if another photon could be emitted while the rest goes into kinetic energy. The terms "photoelectric effect" and "Compton scattering" were mentioned, and it was suggested that someone with more knowledge on the subject could provide further information on why one mechanism is preferred over the other.
  • #1
ChowPuppy
8
5
I had this problem for my physics class where we had a 20eV photon interaction with hydrogen gas. It takes 13.6eV to knock electrons off of the atoms from the ground state after the photon is absorbed by the hydrogen atom, but that leaves 6.4eV left over.

Does all of this energy go into the kinetic energy of the electron, or could another photon of, say, 3.2eV be emitted while the other 3.2eV goes into kinetic energy?
 
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  • #2
That's a good question. I'm pretty sure that the first one is termed the "photoelectric effect" and the second one termed "Compton scattering". Maybe someone who knows a bit more about it can give more info on the "when where why" of why one mechanism is favored over the other.
 

Related to Question about photon absorbtion/emission by hydrogen

1. What is photon absorption and emission by hydrogen?

Photon absorption and emission by hydrogen refers to the process where a hydrogen atom absorbs or emits a photon (a particle of light). This occurs when the electrons in the hydrogen atom move between energy levels, either gaining or losing energy in the form of a photon.

2. How does photon absorption and emission relate to the color of light?

The color of light is determined by the energy of the photons being emitted or absorbed. When a hydrogen atom absorbs a photon, it gains energy and moves to a higher energy level, emitting a photon with a specific color. The color of the absorbed or emitted photon depends on the difference in energy between the two energy levels.

3. What is the difference between absorption and emission spectra?

An absorption spectrum is a graph that shows the specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by a substance, such as hydrogen. An emission spectrum, on the other hand, shows the specific wavelengths of light that are emitted by a substance. In the case of hydrogen, the two spectra are complementary, as the wavelengths absorbed are the same as the wavelengths emitted.

4. What is the significance of studying photon absorption and emission by hydrogen?

Studying photon absorption and emission by hydrogen allows us to better understand the behavior of atoms and the nature of light. It also has practical applications, such as in the development of lasers and in astronomy, where the study of emission spectra from distant stars can provide information about their composition.

5. How does the absorption and emission of photons by hydrogen contribute to our understanding of the universe?

The absorption and emission of photons by hydrogen has played a crucial role in our understanding of the universe. The study of hydrogen's emission spectra has helped us discover the presence of other elements in stars and galaxies, and has allowed us to measure the expansion of the universe. Additionally, the absorption of photons by hydrogen gas has helped us map out the distribution of matter in the universe, leading to the discovery of dark matter.

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