How does an electron decide when to de-excite?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process by which an electron transitions from a higher energy state to a lower energy state after being excited. It explores concepts related to spontaneous emission, probability, and the nature of energy transitions in quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks when an excited electron returns to a lower energy orbit.
  • Another participant asserts that the process is spontaneous.
  • A question is raised about whether "spontaneous" implies randomness.
  • It is suggested that the transitions are based on probability, with each state having a specific probability of transitioning to a lower energy state over time.
  • A participant notes that some states may take longer or shorter to transition than others.
  • Links to external resources on spontaneous emission and its relation to probability and radioactive decay are provided for further reading.
  • Another participant explains that when electrons are excited, they absorb energy to jump to a higher orbit, and when they transition to lower shells, they release energy as electromagnetic waves.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the transition process, with some emphasizing spontaneity and probability, while others seek clarification on the implications of randomness. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of how and when these transitions occur.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference quantum mechanical terms and concepts, indicating a potential limitation in understanding without a solid background in the subject. The discussion also highlights the complexity of the topic, with varying interpretations of the transition process.

quawa99
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after an electron is excited to a higher energy orbit ,when exactly does it go back to some of the lower energy orbits?
 
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It's spontaneous
 
do you mean random?
 
quawa99 said:
do you mean random?
yeah
 
It's all based on probability. Each state has a particular probability of transitioning to a lower energy state per unit of time and some states take longer or shorter to transition than others. I wish I had a good link for you, but the ones I can find at the moment are knee-deep in quantum mechanical terms, which are over even my head.
 
Wiki, which is a good place to start, has a text on Spontaneous emission,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_emission

Note the section on probability in the Introduction and the similarity with radioactive decay.
And the section on Theory and Rate, where, as always, it requires more grey-matter usage.
 
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when electrons are exiced they absorb energy so they jump to a higher orbit(shell), when they go into lower shells they release energy in the form of electromagnetic waves.
 

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