Energy released in electron transition

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the energy changes associated with an electron transitioning between energy levels, specifically addressing the question of what happens to the energy when an electron moves from a higher energy level to a lower one. The scope includes theoretical interpretations and concepts from quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that energy does not get released when an electron transitions to a lower energy level, questioning the fate of this energy.
  • Another participant suggests that the energy is emitted as a photon during the transition.
  • A participant reiterates the question about the energy release, indicating confusion about the process.
  • One response explains that the electron is not in motion but is found in a lower energy state upon observation, with the energy being released as a photon, while noting that the underlying processes when not observed are uncertain and subject to various interpretations.
  • Another participant emphasizes that energy conservation principles prevent any scenario where energy is not released during the transition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of energy release during electron transitions, with some asserting that energy is emitted as a photon and others questioning the clarity of this process. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of what occurs during the transition.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about energy states and the interpretations of quantum mechanics, particularly concerning spontaneous emission and the role of observation.

Nitheesh
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When an electron moves from higher energy level to lower energy level the energy doesn't released. But actually it should release. What happened to the in released energy?
 
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Hello Niteesh, :welcome:

It is sent out as a photon
 
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BvU said:
Hello Niteesh, :welcome:

It is sent out as a photon
That is what I asked the question it is not releasing in any firm what happened to it
 
Well it doesn't move - its simply found to be in a lower energy state if you observe it. Whats going on when not observed is anyone's guess. The theory is silent on it although various interpretations have different takes on the issue.

The energy is released in a emitted photon.

I can guess your next question - what causes it to do that? Its because the electron is not strictly in a stationary state as its coupled to the quantum EM field that permeates all of space:
https://www.mpi-hd.mpg.de/personalhomes/palffy/Files/Spontaneous.pdf

The phenomena is called spontaneous emission and can not be explained by standard QM - its one of the first indications you need quantum field theory:
http://www.physics.usu.edu/torre/3700_Spring_2015/What_is_a_photon.pdf

Thanks
Bill
 
bhobba said:
Well it doesn't move - its simply found to be in a lower energy state if you observe it. Whats going on when not observed is anyone's guess. The theory is silent on it although various interpretations have different takes on the issue.

The energy is released in a emitted photon.

I can guess your next question - what causes it to do that? Its because the electron is not strictly in a stationary state as its coupled to the quantum EM field that permeates all of space:
https://www.mpi-hd.mpg.de/personalhomes/palffy/Files/Spontaneous.pdf

The phenomena is called spontaneous emission and can not be explained by standard QM - its one of the first indications you need quantum field theory:
http://www.physics.usu.edu/torre/3700_Spring_2015/What_is_a_photon.pdf

Thanks
Bill
Look
So there is no chance to be energy not release
 
Thanks bhobba
 

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