Why Do Protons Not Absorb Light Rays?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the question of why protons do not absorb light rays in the same manner as electrons when light interacts with an atom. It explores the mechanisms of light absorption, energy levels, and the roles of protons and electrons in this process.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why protons cannot absorb energy from light rays, suggesting a fundamental difference in interaction compared to electrons.
  • Another participant explains that light absorption requires an excited state, proposing that protons, as part of a quark system, have very high energy levels that may not be accessible to typical photon energies.
  • Some participants argue that protons can absorb photons, but it is generally easier for electrons to do so due to their ability to move around within the atom.
  • A later reply highlights the significant difference in energy scales, noting that nuclear energy levels are measured in MeV, while visible light photons have energies only in the eV range.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the ability of protons to absorb light, with some asserting that it is possible while others emphasize the challenges due to energy levels. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of proton absorption and the conditions under which it might occur.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about energy levels and the definitions of excited states for protons, as well as the scope of photon energies considered in the discussion.

Stephen Raj
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Why can't energy is absorbed by protons rather than by electrons when a light ray strikes the atom.
 
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Hi,

Light is absorbed when there is an excited state to go to.
You can picture a proton as the ground state of the (uud) 3-quarks system. The first excited state of this system (if it exists at all… :confused: I don't know…) is very high in energy and unreachable by photons with “reasonnable” energies :smile:
 
Protons can absorb photons too but it's easier for an electron to absorb it because it can move around
 
Nuclear energy levels are measured in MeV (millions of electron volts), whereas photons of visible light have energies of only a few eV.
 

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