From whence cometh the photon?

[Mediocrates]

Hi, I am a new member here. I am a non-physicist. I have been told that the electron is an elementary particle. I have been told that when an electron moves to a lower shell there is a photon emitted. If the electron is elementary where does the photon come from? Thanks in advance for your consideration.

 

[Nugatory]

At a very handwavey-level: It is created from the energy released when the electron drops to the lower level. It wasn't around in any way, shape, or form before then.

 

[Drakkith]

The photon is an excitation of the electromagnetic field, which was already present. The electron's transition between energy levels creates a disturbance in the EM field that propagates outwards as an EM wave. The photon is the means by which this EM wave interacts with matter.

 

[Mediocrates]

At a very handwavey-level: It is created from the energy released when the electron drops to the lower level. It wasn't around in any way, shape, or form before then.

At a very handwavey-level: It is created from the energy released when the electron drops to the lower level. It wasn't around in any way, shape, or form before then.

Thanks.