Photon Energy Stimulation of Atoms

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interaction between photons and atoms, specifically focusing on whether a photon with energy greater than the ionization energy can stimulate an atom. The scope includes concepts of excitation and ionization, as well as the implications of photon energy in these processes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a photon with energy greater than the ionization energy can stimulate an atom, suggesting that the excess energy contributes to the kinetic energy of the electron, referencing the photoelectric effect.
  • Others clarify that "stimulation" refers specifically to moving an electron to higher energy levels (excitation) rather than ionization, questioning whether ionization can also be considered a form of stimulation.
  • A participant presents a hypothetical scenario involving a photon with 10 eV energy and energy levels of 3, 5, and 6 eV, asking what could happen to the atom in terms of excitation and ionization.
  • Another participant emphasizes that to ionize an electron, the energy provided must match or exceed the binding energy of the electron in its specific energy level, indicating that different energy levels correspond to different ionization energies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions of stimulation, excitation, and ionization, with no consensus reached on whether ionization can be classified as stimulation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of photon energy on atomic behavior.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of understanding binding energies and the relationship between energy levels and ionization energies, indicating potential misunderstandings about these concepts.

Mit-hat
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Can a photon with higher energy than ionization energy stimulate atom?
 
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Mit-hat said:
Can a photon with higher energy than ionization energy stimulate atom?
Yes, the extra energy will be turned into the kinetic energy of the electron. This is the photoelectric effect, and is the basis of photoelectron spectroscopy.
 
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Vagn said:
Yes, the extra energy will be turned into the kinetic energy of the electron. This is the photoelectric effect, and is the basis of photoelectron spectroscopy.
Thanks for reply, but i know stimulation is moving an electron to higher energy levels not ionisation. Do You mean ionisation is a stimulation also.
 
What do you mean by stimulate the atom?
Mit-hat said:
i know stimulation is moving an electron to higher energy levels
From what you said, seems like what you wanted to say is excitation, is it?
 
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I think yes. Excitation and ionisation. Let me try my question to clarify in an example. A photon with 10 ev energy sent to an atom. Let's say energy levels are for simplicity 3,5,6 and its ionasation energy is 9 ev. What could or must happen to atom.
1. Excitation one electron jumps to higher level:is this possible
2. İonisation that is electron get rid of the atom. I think that is ok.
 
Mit-hat said:
Lets say energy levels are for simplicity 3,5,6 and its ionasation energy is 9 ev.
So you give us three energy levels and one ionization energy? I think you misunderstood one thing here, energy levels of an electron in its parent atom represent the binding energy in the corresponding particular orbital/state. To ionize an electron sitting at a particular state, an amount of energy which is at least as big as the binding energy must be given to that electron, the idea is simple: to overcome the binding energy. In other words, different levels have different ionization energies, for the latter must be equal to the former. Relating to your question, with 10 eV photon, any of those three energy levels won't be able to hold its electron from leaving the atom.
 
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