Energy of Electron: Jumping to Higher States

In summary, we discussed the relation between kinetic energy and potential energy, which is governed by the law KE + PE = constant. We also touched upon the concept of a hole in the valence band, but it is not within my field of expertise.
  • #1
ajith.mk91
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Suppose we have 3 equipotential surfaces V1 V2 & V3(V1>V2>V3) and an electron residing in second surface and roaming freely with kinetic energy say K.E. Now if our K.E is greater than e(V1-V2) will the electron jump to the top surface with decreased kinetic energy? On the other hand will it jump to the lower state?If none of the above happens how will an electron jump to higher states if we provide external energy(as in the case of energy bands)?
 
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  • #2
welcome to pf!

hi ajith.mk91! welcome to pf! :smile:
ajith.mk91 said:
Suppose we have 3 equipotential surfaces V1 V2 & V3(V1>V2>V3) and an electron residing in second surface and roaming freely with kinetic energy say K.E. Now if our K.E is greater than …

it can't have any KE …

compare it with a body orbiting the Earth at a particular radius …

to do so it must have a particular speed (and KE) …

it stays on that equipotential surface not because the potential is constant, but because its gradient exactly matches its KE

same for an electron in an electromagnetic field :wink:
 
  • #3
Do you mean to say that both PE and KE are interrelated? If they are,which law governs their relation?
And secondly what is meant by KE of a hole in the valence band. Is it the KE of incoming electron?
 
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  • #4
hi ajith.mk91 ! :smile:
ajith.mk91 said:
Do you mean to say that both PE and KE are interrelated? If they are,which law governs their relation?

not exactly

yes, KE and PE are related by the law KE + PE = constant (or = work done if there's some external force)

no, they aren't related to what we were talking about … the relation needed for that is between the centripetal acceleration (which happens to be proportional to KE) and the gravitational or electric force (not potential) :wink:
And secondly what is meant by KE of a hole in the valence band. Is it the KE of incoming electron?

sorry, not my field, never heard of it :redface:
 

1. What is the energy of an electron?

The energy of an electron refers to its potential energy, which is the amount of energy an electron has due to its position within an atom.

2. How does an electron jump to a higher energy state?

An electron jumps to a higher energy state by absorbing energy, typically in the form of a photon of light. This causes the electron to move to a higher energy level within the atom.

3. What happens when an electron jumps to a higher energy state?

When an electron jumps to a higher energy state, it becomes more unstable and will eventually release the absorbed energy by emitting a photon of light and returning to its original, lower energy state.

4. What is the significance of electron energy states?

The energy states of electrons determine the behavior of atoms and molecules, as they play a crucial role in chemical reactions and the formation of bonds between atoms.

5. Can an electron jump to an infinite number of energy states?

No, an electron can only occupy specific energy states within an atom, and each energy level can only hold a certain number of electrons. Once all energy levels are filled, an electron cannot jump to a higher energy state.

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