I have a quick question about Photons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the emission of photons during the transfer of electrons between atoms, particularly in the context of atomic transitions and chemical processes. Participants explore the conditions under which photons may or may not be emitted during these transfers.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a photon is emitted when an electron passes from one atom to another.
  • Another participant clarifies that photons are emitted during transitions between energy levels within an atom, not necessarily during atom-to-atom transfers.
  • Some participants argue that during chemical processes, electrons can be exchanged without the involvement of photons, suggesting that energy can be transferred as heat instead.
  • There is a distinction made between phonons and photons, with some asserting that phonons represent energy transfer in a different form and are not equivalent to photons.
  • A participant suggests that the absorption of a photon by an atom may occur rather than emission during the transfer process.
  • Repetitive assertions highlight the disagreement over the necessity of photon emission in electron transfers between atoms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether photon emission is a requisite part of electron transfer between atoms, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes ambiguities regarding the definitions of terms like "passes" and "transfer," as well as the specific physical scenarios being referenced, which may affect the clarity of the arguments presented.

HawkI
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When an electron passes from one atom to another is a photon emitted?
 
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I don't know what you mean by passes to another atom. When an electron make a transition from a higher energy level to a lower energy level, within the atom, then it emits a photon. This photon an energy which is equal to the different of energies between the 2 levels.
 
rolotomassi, electrons are exchanged between atoms during chemical processes.

No, as a general rule, photons are not necessary part of an atom-to-atom transport of an electron. The energies involved can be all just be heat energy.
 
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rumborak said:
rolotomassi, electrons are exchanged between atoms during chemical processes.

No, as a general rule, photons are not necessary part of an atom-to-atom transport of an electron. The energies involved can be all just be heat energy.

This energy is manifest as phonons and photons.
 
Phonons aren't photons. The OP question is whether every atom-to-atom transfer involves an emitted photon. It doesn't.
 
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Phonons are an emergent phenomena, kind of like a wave in a bathtub. Since an electron is being emitted, I think it would suffice to say that a photon had just been absorbed by an atom, not emitted.
 
rumborak said:
Phonons aren't photons. The OP question is whether every atom-to-atom transfer involves an emitted photon. It doesn't.

How about that, hu? Yet you were referencing both.
 
Last edited:
This thread will remain closed. Hawki, if you can frame a more specific question that clearly states what physical scenario you are interested in ("electron passes from one atom to another" is too vague and general), please feel free to start a new thread.
 

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