Understanding Hydrogen Gas Excitation & Absorption

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gracy
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If the hydrogen gas is supposed to emit photons when the electrons undergo excitation, then why did the gas absorb energy earlier and got the electrons excited?
 
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The real answer requires QFT and takes into account the quantum vacuum:
http://www.physics.usu.edu/torre/3700_Spring_2014/What_is_a_photon.pdf

Thanks
Bill
 
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