Emission of a Photon: Origin and Role of Electron Constituents

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the emission of photons during electron transitions between energy levels, exploring the origins of the emitted photon and the role of electron constituents in this process. It touches on theoretical aspects, conceptual clarifications, and interpretations of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that when an electron transitions to a lower energy level, it emits a photon, questioning the origin of this photon and the role of electron constituents.
  • Others propose that the photon emission is a result of a three-way interaction vertex involving charged particles, noting that electrons are currently understood to have no sub-structure.
  • One participant argues against the notion of electrons "jumping" between states, suggesting instead that transitions are gradual and involve superposition states that oscillate, leading to photon emission.
  • Another participant contests the idea of continuous transitions, stating that electrons exist in discrete states and that photons are emitted instantaneously rather than gradually.
  • Discussions include the mathematical representation of probability densities and the implications of superposition states on observable properties like dipole moments during transitions.
  • Some participants explore the implications of measurements on the state of an atom and the nature of photon emission, suggesting that it is possible to measure the extent of photon emission through specific experiments.
  • Questions arise about the nature of the interaction vertex and whether the photon is emitted from within or outside the electron, as well as the relationship between electrical charge and photon emission.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of electron transitions and photon emission, with no consensus reached on whether transitions are continuous or discrete, and on the role of superposition states. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing interpretations presented.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on interpretations of quantum mechanics, the unresolved nature of certain mathematical steps, and the ambiguity surrounding the definitions of terms like "jump" and "superposition." The discussion also highlights the complexity of measuring quantum states and their implications for understanding photon emission.

  • #31
Only if you use the concept of relativistic mass, which is done in ancient textbooks and bad TV documentations only.
mass of electron in natural units is 0.511 Mev.
 
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  • #32
I don't see how your post is related to the others in this thread.
c=1 is a conventional choice, but this does not mean that my height is some nanometers.
 
  • #33
that is just a conventional way.To get back to original requires some work.And what you don't see.
 
  • #34
You are missing the point. E=mc² is wrong. The correct formula is E² = p²c² + (mc²)²
 
  • #35
K^2 said:
You are missing the point. E=mc² is wrong. The correct formula is E² = p²c² + (mc²)²
if you don't use the definition of relativistic mass then,right.Otherwise both are same.Energy is time component of four momentum and mass is invariant,so they are really different. if one avoids the notion of relativistic mass which is already abandoned then of course it is wrong.But that is just not what I say.It is a matter of definition.
 
  • #36
Fact that use of m as symbol for relativistic mass is outdated was the whole point of mfd's comment, and the reason for your reply to denisfl8 being at very least incomplete.

Mass, without qualifier, is assumed to be invariant mass. If you want to talk about relativistic mass, you should qualify that for clarity. Were you to reply that, "Energy is equivalent to relativistic mass," there would be no complaint.
 
  • #37
K^2 said:
Fact that use of m as symbol for relativistic mass is outdated was the whole point of mfd's comment, and the reason for your reply to denisfl8 being at very least incomplete.

Mass, without qualifier, is assumed to be invariant mass. If you want to talk about relativistic mass, you should qualify that for clarity. Were you to reply that, "Energy is equivalent to relativistic mass," there would be no complaint.
Oh,sorry for that.
 

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