Resonance in electron impact on atoms

In summary, resonance levels are formed when two frequencies match and the system oscillates at larger amplitudes. In the case of electron-atom collisions, energy vs cross section plots can be made to show the change in cross section with increasing energy. The peak in the plot is called a resonance peak and represents the energy level at which a particular process has a resonance. In the example of Xenon, the excitation cross section for the 5p5 6s1 levels will be maximum at the resonance levels of 1P1 and 3P1.
  • #1
vrinda mukund
37
0
Can someone please explain the significance of resonance levels that forms when electron collides with atoms. How this resonance levels are different from other levels ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You should be able to answer that from the meaning of "resonance".
Have a go, and then we' all be able to help you better.
 
  • #3
@Simon Bridge

Dear Sir,

When two frequencies match together so that the system oscillates at larger amplitudes, we say the system is in resonance. My doubt is how it is applicable to excited levels. Are they the levels with the same value for angular momentum J ? I that case, what makes it so special or different from other excited states.
To be more elaborate on my problem :

Ground state of Xenon is 5s2 5p6
First excited state for Xenon will be 5p6 6s1
If we write the term symbols the there will be five states :
1P1 3P0 3P1 and 3P2
Now, the states 1P1 and 3P1 are resonance levels.
So what i have guessed is levels with same value for J are said to be resonance levels . Is it really so ? How is it different from other levels 3P0 and 3P2
 
  • #4
When two frequencies match together so that the system oscillates at larger amplitudes, we say the system is in resonance.
... close:
If you make a plot of the amplitude vs driving frequency for a driven oscilator, you get a characteristic peak near the natural frequency of the oscillator. That peak is called "a resonance".

My doubt is how it is applicable to excited levels.
... in the case of electrons being shot at some atoms, what is the graph that would be plotted? What shape would it have?
 
  • #5
For electron-atom collisions, we can make energy Vs Cross section plots. We can plot how the cross section of a particular reaction, say excitation, changes with increasing energy of incident electron. The cross section will first increase with increase in energy and then will fall down.
 
  • #6
Well done - between the "increase" and "fall down" there is a peak; that peak is called a "resonance peak".
We say that the particular process that the cross-section is for has a resonance at the energy level of the peak.
That is basically the entire significance of "resonance" in this context.
 
  • #7
In that case, in the example of Xenon, which i explained before, is it like, the excitation cross section for excitation to the 5p5 6s1 levels will be maximum when electrons are excited to 1P1 and 3P1 states ?
 

1. What is resonance in electron impact on atoms?

Resonance in electron impact on atoms refers to the phenomenon where electrons collide with atoms and transfer energy through a resonant process, leading to the excitation or ionization of the atom.

2. How does resonance occur in electron impact on atoms?

Resonance occurs when the energy of the incoming electron matches the energy difference between two electronic states in the atom, allowing for efficient energy transfer and resulting in the excitation or ionization of the atom.

3. What are the applications of studying resonance in electron impact on atoms?

Studying resonance in electron impact on atoms has various applications, such as understanding atomic and molecular structures and dynamics, developing new technologies for materials processing, and providing insights into chemical reactions.

4. Can resonance in electron impact on atoms be controlled?

Yes, resonance in electron impact on atoms can be controlled by adjusting the energy of the incoming electron, the orientation of the atom, and other experimental parameters.

5. How is resonance in electron impact on atoms studied?

Resonance in electron impact on atoms can be studied through various experimental techniques, such as electron energy loss spectroscopy, electron scattering experiments, and theoretical calculations using quantum mechanical models.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
3
Views
988
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
804
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top