Photon Absorption: Does Energy Matter?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the absorption of photons by particles, specifically addressing whether a photon with insufficient energy for a quantum state change is absorbed or not. It concludes that if the energy difference between two quantum states does not match the frequency of the incoming photon, resonance does not occur, and thus, the photon is not absorbed. This understanding emphasizes the importance of energy matching in quantum interactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Photon energy and frequency relationship
  • Quantum state transitions
  • Wave-particle duality concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of quantum state transitions in detail
  • Explore the relationship between photon energy and frequency using Planck's equation
  • Investigate resonance phenomena in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about wave-particle duality and its implications in quantum physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, researchers in quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the interactions between light and matter.

americanforest
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If a photon does not have the required energy for changing the quantum state of a particle/atom/molecule, is it absorbed and instantaneously re-emitted with the same energy when it arrives at said particle/atom/molecule or is it not absorbed at all?

Also, does it make any difference in measurements of such interactions?
 
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to understand this concept better try looking at it from a wave point of view.
if the diff b/w the two energy levels is such that the wave's freq. does not match that
of the energy separation in freq. units there will be no resonance and there will be no absorption.
 
The photon is not absorbed at all.

I don't understand the second part of your question.

Claude.
 

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