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Tail
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Can anyone explain to me just how we can 'look' at an atom and its, um, components? And how the process of 'looking' changes the object we're looking at?
We look at atoms the same way we look at larger objects -Originally posted by Tail
Can anyone explain to me just how we can 'look' at an atom and its, um, components? And how the process of 'looking' changes the object we're looking at?
Also, do particles have a real color?
Originally posted by Tail
Anyway, can an electron reflect light? If so, what frequency is it?
They scatter electromagnetic radiation of any frequency, but the cross section will of course heavily depend on frequeny. The natural guess is, it will work best when the photon energy is in the range of electron rest mass (511 keV, meaning hard X-ray). But what happens above that, I'm not sure. Unfortunately, the math gets real complicated for the 'relativistic domain'. Interesting question - I'll do some more research. Hang on...Originally posted by Tail
So electrons don't reflect light of certain frequency?
Interesting question - I'll do some more research. Hang on... [/B]
No. A free electron can't absorb any photon. Being an elementary particle, it doesn't have the internal degrees of freedom to absorb any energy.Originally posted by Tail
Do electrons actually absorb any light?
Originally posted by Tail
So what HAPPENS when light touches a free electron? Does the electron reflect it? Or does the light push it?
Atoms are the basic units of matter that make up everything in the universe. They are important to study because they help us understand the properties and behavior of different substances, and they are the building blocks of all living and non-living things.
Scientists use a variety of experimental techniques, such as microscopy and spectroscopy, to study atoms. These techniques allow them to observe and measure the properties and interactions of atoms at the atomic level.
Some common tools used to explore atoms include microscopes, such as scanning electron microscopes and atomic force microscopes, as well as spectrometers, such as mass spectrometers and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers.
Scientists can change atoms through various processes, such as chemical reactions, nuclear reactions, and physical processes like heating, cooling, and applying pressure. These changes can alter the properties and behavior of atoms, allowing scientists to create new substances and materials.
Understanding and changing atoms has numerous real-world applications, such as developing new medicines, creating new materials for technology and industry, and improving our understanding of the natural world. It also plays a crucial role in fields such as chemistry, physics, and engineering.