Does an electron have a continous range of energies?

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SUMMARY

An electron does not possess a continuous range of energies; rather, its energy levels are quantized based on its environment and situation. The solution to the Schrödinger's equation provides information about the probability distribution of an electron's position and energy levels. In scenarios such as the photoelectric effect, emitted electrons exhibit a continuous energy spectrum due to the nature of the conduction band. This understanding is crucial for interpreting quantum mechanics and electron behavior in various physical contexts.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with Schrödinger's equation
  • Knowledge of the photoelectric effect
  • Concept of conduction bands in solid-state physics
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  • Study the implications of Schrödinger's equation in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the concept of quantized energy levels in atoms
  • Investigate the photoelectric effect and its experimental results
  • Learn about conduction bands and their role in solid-state physics
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, and anyone interested in the behavior of electrons in various energy states.

melissajohn
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i have two questions...


does an electron have a continuous range of energies? I think the answer is no. am i right?

and also... what does the solution of the Schrödinger's equation provide?
 
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melissajohn said:
i have two questions...


does an electron have a continuous range of energies? I think the answer is no. am i right?

and also... what does the solution of the Schrödinger's equation provide?

I think you have a severe misunderstanding of how something can acquire energy. The energy of any electron (or any particle for that matter) depends on where it is, or what situation it is in. The energy of the emitted electrons out of a photo electric effect experiment is certainly NOT discrete. Look at any photoemission experiment. This is because the conduction band is, by definition of a "band", is continuous.

Zz.
 

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