Photon emission in electronic transitions

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SUMMARY

Photon emission during electronic transitions in atoms predominantly involves the release of a single photon due to quantum selection rules. These rules dictate that only specific energy levels can transition, resulting in the emission of one photon per energy change. While multiphoton emission has been observed, it is not the norm in basic atomic transitions. Understanding this phenomenon requires a grasp of quantum mechanics principles rather than introductory physics concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of atomic structure and energy levels
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics principles
  • Knowledge of photon behavior and properties
  • Introduction to selection rules in quantum physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study quantum mechanics fundamentals, focusing on energy levels and transitions
  • Research the concept of selection rules in quantum physics
  • Explore multiphoton absorption techniques and their applications
  • Investigate the implications of photon emission in quantum optics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching introductory quantum mechanics, and researchers interested in atomic transitions and photon behavior.

MuonMinus
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How would you explain, on a basic level, why only one photon (as opposed to two, three...) is emitted when an electron in an atom changes its energy level? This is for students with only introductory Physics background.
 
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I know this isn't the answer you're looking for, but...
That's how we observe that the universe works. We only ever see 1 photon. It's not just a glib answer, it is the difference between physics and philosophy or math.
 
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MuonMinus said:
How would you explain, on a basic level, why only one photon (as opposed to two, three...) is emitted when an electron in an atom changes its energy level? This is for students with only introductory Physics background.

At the introductory level it is indeed mysterious, especially since multiphoton absorption is a common laboratory technique. Multiphoton emission has been observed and reported on, but explanations 'why' photoemission is predominantly single-photon requires discussion of the 'selection rules' which are quantum and not introductory.
 

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