Electrons Absorbing Photons - Extra Energy

In summary: However, electronic transitions usually do not occur with significant intensity unless the photon frequency matches the energy gap between energy states.
  • #1
Legaldose
74
6
Okay, so when a photon travels near an electron orbiting some atom, the electron then absorbs the photon (given that it has enough energy) and causes the electron to jump up an energy level. My question is what happens when a photon has a little more than enough energy to bump up the electron, where does the remaining energy go? Is it correct to say that another photon gets released that carries the remaining energy? And if so, then is that partly why objects are certain colors? If I have this totally wrong please feel free to correct me. Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
objects are certain colours due to the fact that they REFLECT that colour of light. such that there phonons are opaque to that frequency.
a photon is absorbed by an atom causing it to be excited and an electron moves to a higher energy state. photons will only be absorbed by atoms if they have the exact energy required to go from one energy state to another. if not they simply won't be absorbed. and you are correct the energy is released in the form of another photon of the EXACT same energy as the original due to conservation of energy.
 
  • #3
So you are saying that if it takes 1J to move an electron up an energy level, and a photon comes along that has 1.1J of energy, then the photon will not be absorbed?
 
  • #4
For monatomic gases, it is fair to say that for practical purposes electronic transitions do not occur with appreciable intensity unless the photon frequency matches the gap between energy states - although this does not have to be "exact", due to the uncertainty principle.

Photons can,however, undergo electronic Raman scattering even in this situation (in other words, the transition takes place, and a red-shifted photon carries away the excess energy). Such transitions are rather weak, and not easily observed (laser or synchrotron sources are needed).

In molecules and condensed phases a variety of mechanisms exists to take up any excess photon energy with appreciable probability, leading to broad absorption lines (as seen in the UV-visible spectra taken in the chemistry lab).
 
  • #5
Thanks gadong, this clears things up quite a bit for me. And even better, it makes good sense as well.
 
  • #6
A sample of monoatomic gas can absorb photons with energies slightly different from the exact excitation energy, because of lifetime and Doppler broadening.
 

1. What are electrons absorbing photons?

Electrons absorbing photons is a process in which an electron gains extra energy by absorbing a photon, which is a packet of light energy. This extra energy causes the electron to move to a higher energy level within an atom or molecule.

2. How does the absorption of photons affect the behavior of electrons?

The absorption of photons can cause electrons to become excited and jump to higher energy levels. This can lead to a variety of behaviors, such as emission of light, transfer of energy to neighboring atoms or molecules, or triggering a chemical reaction.

3. Can electrons absorb photons from any type of light?

Yes, electrons can absorb photons from a range of light sources, including visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light. The specific energy and wavelength of the photon determines whether or not it will be absorbed by the electron.

4. How is the extra energy from absorbed photons used by electrons?

The extra energy from absorbed photons is used by electrons to overcome the energy barrier that keeps them in their current energy level. This allows them to move to a higher energy level and potentially participate in various chemical reactions or emit light.

5. What is the significance of electrons absorbing photons in various scientific fields?

The absorption of photons by electrons is a fundamental process in many scientific fields, including chemistry, physics, and biology. It plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of atoms and molecules, as well as the interaction of light with matter.

Similar threads

Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
23
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
10K
Replies
1
Views
264
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
871
Replies
1
Views
870
Replies
4
Views
985
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
21
Views
816
Back
Top