What Happens When a Photon Hits an Electron?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interaction between photons and electrons, specifically regarding light absorption. It is established that a photon transfers energy only when absorbed, which necessitates matching the energy difference between specific atomic states. Contrary to common misconceptions, electrons do not "jiggle" but exist in static wave functions that define their probability distributions. Light must match the energy difference of these states for absorption to occur; otherwise, it is reflected or transmitted.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Understanding of atomic orbitals
  • Knowledge of photon energy and frequency
  • Familiarity with wave functions in quantum physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of energy levels in quantum mechanics
  • Study the principles of light-matter interaction
  • Learn about the role of wave functions in electron behavior
  • Explore the differences between reflection, transmission, and absorption of light
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics, light-matter interactions, and atomic theory.

Ivanov
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Hello,
I have a presentation tomorrow and in a segment, I talk about light absorption. It's more conceptual than technical. I did quite a bit of research on the topic but because of simplifying information I may have butchered the facts and written something wrong. Could anyone please confirm/ deny and possibly give a few tips.

A photon does not pass on any energy unless it is absorbed and that requires a specific phenomenon.
*Sixth panel*
Electrons do not orbit the core similarly to a planetary model like we were taught so far. They inhabit specific orbitals with no fixed position, rather a probability that rises as it gets closer to the center.
*Seventh panel*
While they are there they jiggle with a constant frequency which corresponds to their energy. Imagine the electron like a bobber in a pond going up and down.
When the light wave comes in it has to match the frequency or it will be either reflected or transmitted.

The underlined sentence is what worries me the most. The quote itself represents a manuscript of what ill be saying.
Thank you very much in advance :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
While they are there they jiggle with a constant frequency which corresponds to their energy. Imagine the electron like a bobber in a pond going up and down.
They don't "jiggle". That is a common misconception. The wave function is static, it does not change with time. While it is possible (but not necessary) to have a time-dependent phase in the description, this phase is only a mathematical tool - it is nothing you could observe, not even in principle.

Light doesn't have to hit any frequency that would be represented in the atom. It has to match an energy difference between possible states of the atom (or the molecule, or metal, or whatever) to get absorbed or reflected, otherwise it just passes through.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
10K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K