Can Atoms Produce Photons Through Electron Excitation?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Haibara Ai
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the mechanisms by which atoms can produce photons, particularly through the excitation and de-excitation of electrons. Participants explore various scenarios, including electron transitions and nuclear excitation, as well as the conditions under which photons are emitted.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that when electrons are excited, they release photons as they return to lower energy states.
  • Others clarify that photons are not contained within the atom but are produced as a result of energy transitions.
  • One participant notes that photon emission is not limited to electron transitions, mentioning that nuclear excitation can also lead to photon production.
  • Another point raised involves the emission of photons due to the acceleration of electrons in a magnetic field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of photon production, with some emphasizing electron transitions while others introduce additional mechanisms, indicating that multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the complexities of photon emission mechanisms, including the assumptions about energy levels and the role of the nucleus in photon production.

Haibara Ai
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I know that 'When electrons get excited, they release photons to "un-excite".'
So how can a atom 'produce' photons?
 
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Photons are energy.
When an electron falls from a high energy level to a lower one the energy is released as a photon.
The atom doesn't contain a photon as such.
 
this is probably one of the most asked quetions around here, please feel free to search for older threads =)
 
Atom as a whole dont't emit photons. Photon emission occurs when electron jumps from higher to lower energy level. Photon can also be produced by exciting the nucleus (remember internal conversion)...however in both the cases electrons are responsible for photon emission. Also when you deflect or make electron to accelerate in magnetic field...you can get photons.
 
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