Average number of photons in a atom at a given temprature

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    Atom Average Photons
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of determining the average number of photons associated with an atom at a given temperature, specifically in the context of lead. Participants explore the relationship between photons, atomic excitation, and temperature, raising questions about the nature of temperature and energy absorption in atoms.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to find the average number of photons in an atom at a given temperature for lead.
  • Another participant asserts that atoms do not contain photons.
  • It is proposed that electrons in excited states result from absorbing photons, leading to a question about the number of photons at a specific wavelength needed to achieve a certain temperature.
  • Some participants clarify that temperature is a statistical property of many atoms, not applicable to individual atoms.
  • There is a suggestion that energy absorption can come from various sources, not solely from photons.
  • A participant questions whether the inquiry is about reaching a certain energy level rather than temperature, emphasizing the statistical nature of temperature in atomic systems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the nature of photons in relation to atoms and the applicability of temperature to individual atoms versus groups of atoms. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views on these concepts.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the original question regarding the definition of temperature and the statistical nature of atomic behavior, as well as the ambiguity in relating photons to atomic states.

Bruce Haawkins
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Can anny body tell me how do I find the average number of photons in an atom at a given temprature for say lead.
 
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Atoms do not contain photons.Ever.
 
Atoms contain electrons and when an electron is in an excited state it is due to it having taken on an photon. I will like to know how many such photons there are at a given temprature.
 
Let me refrase my question how many photons at a wavelength of 1000 nm does it take to get a atom to a certan temprature.
 
Bruce Haawkins said:
Atoms contain electrons and when an electron is in an excited state it is due to it having taken on an photon.

It does NOT mean that atom contains photons. Absorbed photons do not exist enymore.

Bruce Haawkins said:
Let me refrase my question how many photons at a wavelength of 1000 nm does it take to get a atom to a certan temprature.

This does not make sense either, since temperature is a statistical property of a large numer of atoms, not one atom.
 
Bruce Haawkins said:
Let me refrase my question how many photons at a wavelength of 1000 nm does it take to get a atom to a certan temprature.

Individual atoms do not have a temperature, as temperature is a statistical property that only applies to systems (objects) composed of many atoms.

Bruce Haawkins said:
Atoms contain electrons and when an electron is in an excited state it is due to it having taken on an photon.

Electrons are excited when the atom absorbs a specific quantity of energy, regardless of where that energy came from. It could come from absorption of a photon, a collision with another atom, an interaction with a subatomic particle, etc.
 
Bruce Haawkins said:
Let me refrase my question how many photons at a wavelength of 1000 nm does it take to get a atom to a certan temprature.
Do you mean certain energy level? Since an atom won’t have temperature, only lots of atoms will have temperature.
 

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