Why Don't Electrons Absorb/Radiate Energy in Standard Orbit?

In summary, an electron in its standard orbit does not absorb or radiate energy because it is in a non-changing situation and its energy remains constant. If the electron were to absorb energy, it would undergo a transition to a higher energy state. Additionally, the electron does not radiate during its circular Bohr orbit because its wavelength reinforces itself, and there is no change in the electric or magnetic fields to start electromagnetic radiation. This radiation is not deducible from energy conservation, as the changing electric and magnetic fields cannot be derived from a single scalar equation.
  • #1
Naren Balaji
1
0
when electrons are in their standard orbits , why is it that they don't absorb or radiate energy ??
 
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  • #2
Please start by reading the FAQ sub-forum in the General Physics forum.

https://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=209

Zz.
 
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  • #3
An electron's "standard orbit" is a non-changing situation, so the electron has constant Potential Energy, and constant Kinetic Energy (hence constant momentum and constant wavelength).
1) If an electron DID absorb Energy (from a photon, for example), its total Energy would be changed (PE increases toward zero, and KE decreases ½ as far toward zero), which would be called a "transition" from initial state (orbit n1) to higher final state (orbit n2).

2) If you were asking why the electron doesn't radiate during its "circular Bohr orbit" (which has centripetal acceleration), the answer is that the electron's wavelength "fits" along its path so that it reinforces itself (constructive interference). Because there is no change in the Electric field, and no change in the Magnetic field, there is nothing to start EM radiation: so no Energy is emitted.
... it is the changing E-field and changing B-field, which become EM radiation from an accelerated charge ... the radiation is NOT deducible from Energy conservation
contrary to Zz's wording in the FAQ post ... it should be obvious that you can't derive a pair of vector fields {E(r), B(r)} from a single scalar equation.
 

1. Why don't electrons absorb/radiate energy in standard orbit?

Electrons in standard orbit do not absorb or radiate energy because they are in a state of stable equilibrium. This means that the forces acting on the electron are balanced, so there is no net gain or loss of energy. Additionally, the energy levels of electrons in standard orbit are quantized, meaning they can only exist at specific energy levels and cannot absorb or radiate energy unless they jump to a different energy level.

2. Can electrons in standard orbit absorb/radiate energy under certain conditions?

Yes, electrons in standard orbit can absorb or radiate energy under certain conditions. For example, if an external energy source is introduced, such as a photon or an electric field, the electrons may absorb or emit energy to reach a higher or lower energy level, respectively. However, without an external influence, electrons in standard orbit will remain in a stable state and not absorb or radiate energy.

3. Why is it important for electrons in standard orbit to not absorb/radiate energy?

If electrons in standard orbit were to absorb or radiate energy constantly, the stability of atoms and molecules would be compromised. This would lead to unpredictable chemical reactions and potentially harmful effects on living organisms. Therefore, the fact that electrons in standard orbit do not absorb or radiate energy is essential for maintaining the stability of matter.

4. How does the concept of quantum mechanics explain why electrons in standard orbit do not absorb/radiate energy?

The concept of quantum mechanics explains that electrons in standard orbit have discrete energy levels and cannot exist between these levels. This means that they cannot absorb or radiate energy unless transitioning to a different energy level. This is due to the wave-like nature of electrons, which dictates that they can only exist at specific energy levels that correspond to the allowed wavelengths of their wave function.

5. Are there any exceptions to the rule that electrons in standard orbit do not absorb/radiate energy?

There are some exceptions to this rule, such as in highly excited states or in extreme conditions, where the electrons may absorb or radiate energy. Additionally, in some quantum systems, such as those involving multiple atoms, the energy levels may become blurred, allowing for a limited amount of energy absorption or emission. However, in most cases, the concept of electrons in standard orbit not absorbing or radiating energy holds true.

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