Atomic excitation and electron orbits

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on atomic excitation, specifically regarding hydrogen-like atoms and their electron transitions. When electrons in the ground state are excited, they transition to higher energy orbitals, not necessarily higher physical orbits. In hydrogen-like atoms, the concept of "higher orbits" is misleading; instead, electrons occupy orbitals of higher energy levels. The radius of the atom does not increase during excitation; rather, the energy state changes, and the atom returns to its ground state by emitting energy as a photon.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure and electron configurations
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics principles
  • Knowledge of hydrogen-like atoms and their energy levels
  • Basic concepts of photon emission and absorption
NEXT STEPS
  • Study quantum mechanics and the Schrödinger equation
  • Learn about energy level transitions in hydrogen-like atoms
  • Explore the concept of orbitals and their energy states
  • Investigate photon emission processes and their relation to atomic transitions
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators in atomic theory, and anyone interested in the principles of atomic excitation and electron behavior in hydrogen-like atoms.

cooper607
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hi guys,
i have a basic question over the atomic excitation and it's relationship with the hydrogen like atoms. we know while excitation the electron in the ground state jump to the higher orbits. but when hydrogen or atoms containing little principal quantum numbered orbits get excited , then how can their electrons jump into the next level, as they don't even have higher orbits ?
this question might seem silly but i m in badly need of a clear concept on this...do the atoms grow in radius while excited and get back to normal while radiating the energy as photon ?
please help
regards
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You are interpreting the phrase "jump to higher orbit" literally. It is much proper to say "transform to an orbital of higher energy".
 

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