Does the energy of a photon determine its size in relation to an electron?

In summary, according to Einstien's theory, the energy of one photon is absorbed by one electron in the photoelectric effect. The size of the photon is not relevant in this process as it is the entire solid that participates in absorbing the energy and exciting a conduction electron. Other subatomic particles do not play a role in this process.
  • #1
Stephen Raj
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According to Einstien's theory, energy of one photon is absorbed by one electron. Is this photon is smaller than electron? If not, why energy of photon is not absorbed by other subatomic particles.
 
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  • #2
Stephen Raj said:
According to Einstien's theory, energy of one photon is absorbed by one electron. Is this photon is smaller than electron? If not, why energy of photon is not absorbed by other subatomic particles.

This is incorrect.

Presuming that you are referring to the photoelectric effect, the energy of a photon is absorbed by the WHOLE SOLID, resulting in the excitation of a conduction electron to a higher state. It is the whole solid that participates in this process (it requires the whole solid to create conduction electrons in the first place!).

Zz.
 

Related to Does the energy of a photon determine its size in relation to an electron?

1. What is a photon?

A photon is a fundamental particle of light and electromagnetic radiation. It has no mass and travels at the speed of light. It carries energy and can behave as both a particle and a wave.

2. How does quantum physics explain the behavior of photons?

Quantum physics describes the behavior of photons through the principles of wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle. This means that photons can exist in multiple states simultaneously and their exact position and momentum cannot be simultaneously known.

3. Can photons be destroyed?

According to the law of conservation of energy, photons cannot be destroyed, but they can be transformed into other forms of energy. This can happen through processes such as absorption, scattering, or emission.

4. How are photons used in technology?

Photons have a wide range of applications in technology. They are used in communication technologies such as fiber optics and wireless communication. They are also used in medical imaging, solar panels, and in quantum computing.

5. What is the role of photons in the theory of relativity?

In the theory of relativity, photons play a crucial role in explaining the concept of the speed of light being constant for all observers. This is because photons have no mass and always travel at the speed of light, regardless of the frame of reference.

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