Traveling Electrons: Time to Jump Orbits?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the time it takes for an electron to transition between energy levels in an atom when stimulated by a photon. It concludes that the duration of this transition is not measurable in conventional terms, as electrons do not occupy a defined position during the process. Instead, an electron's energy state changes instantaneously upon receiving sufficient energy, regardless of whether it jumps to the next level or several levels higher. The concept of associating a specific time frame to these transitions is deemed irrelevant due to the inherent nature of quantum mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with electron energy states
  • Knowledge of photon interactions with matter
  • Basic grasp of Planck time and its significance
NEXT STEPS
  • Research quantum mechanics and the behavior of electrons in atoms
  • Study the concept of energy levels and transitions in quantum systems
  • Explore the implications of Planck time in quantum physics
  • Learn about photon-electron interactions and their effects on energy states
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics, atomic theory, and photon interactions. This discussion is beneficial for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of electron behavior and energy transitions.

Burnsys
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How many time take to the electron to "Travel" from a lower orbit to a higher one? does it take the same time to travel to the next energy lever or to jump 3 or 4 when hitted by a more energetic photon??
Or it only takes a Planck time since it was hit by the photon?
 
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I don't think one can visualise this in terms of how long it takes to jump an energy level. An electron can never be determined to be in one place with any degree of accuracy, and thus we can't measure how long it takes to get to another place. This is of course if you think it physically changes location to raise its energy. An electron has accociated with it a quantum energy state that defines crudely where it would be in an atom say, So raising its energy would instantly put it in a higher state if the stimulant was sufficient. So getting from the ground state to the first state, or from ground to the fourth state would take the same time. Of course, this in itself is not a diffinitive answer, but the principle of associating an exact position to an electron is pointless.
 
I know, when i made the post i was thinking in the electron as a wave, no as a particle.
 

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