Photons emitted between energy levels?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the emission of photons during electron transitions between energy levels in an atom. Specifically, it addresses how an electron can emit three photons by either dropping directly from energy level 3 to level 1, emitting a single photon of 12.1 eV, or transitioning through level 2, resulting in two photons of 1.9 eV and 10.2 eV. The participants clarify that the observation of multiple photon energies does not imply that a single collision produces three photons, but rather that multiple photon emissions can occur as a result of different transition paths.

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See photo attachment! (question 1(b) and see answer on mark scheme underneath)

How can three photons be emitted? Either the electron drops down from 3 to 1 and skips 2 emitting one big 12.1 eV photon OR it falls down in step emitting two photons 1.9eV and 10.2eV. How can it emit more energy than its been given anyway?

Thanks
 

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The question is not well formulated. It isn't that a single collision with a single atom will give off three photons, but rather that following the collision three possible photon energies can be observed.
 
Exactly what I thought, just cheaking... thanks
 

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