Average number of photons in a atom at a given temprature

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between atoms and photons, and clarifies that atoms do not contain photons but can become excited by absorbing energy from various sources. The concept of temperature is also explained as a statistical property that applies to systems of atoms rather than individual atoms. The original question regarding the number of photons needed to raise an atom to a certain temperature is clarified to possibly mean a certain energy level instead.
  • #1
Bruce Haawkins
30
0
Can anny body tell me how do I find the average number of photons in an atom at a given temprature for say lead.
 
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  • #2
Atoms do not contain photons.Ever.
 
  • #3
Atoms contain electrons and when an electron is in an excited state it is due to it having taken on an photon. I will like to know how many such photons there are at a given temprature.
 
  • #4
Let me refrase my question how many photons at a wavelength of 1000 nm does it take to get a atom to a certan temprature.
 
  • #5
Bruce Haawkins said:
Atoms contain electrons and when an electron is in an excited state it is due to it having taken on an photon.

It does NOT mean that atom contains photons. Absorbed photons do not exist enymore.

Bruce Haawkins said:
Let me refrase my question how many photons at a wavelength of 1000 nm does it take to get a atom to a certan temprature.

This does not make sense either, since temperature is a statistical property of a large numer of atoms, not one atom.
 
  • #6
Bruce Haawkins said:
Let me refrase my question how many photons at a wavelength of 1000 nm does it take to get a atom to a certan temprature.

Individual atoms do not have a temperature, as temperature is a statistical property that only applies to systems (objects) composed of many atoms.

Bruce Haawkins said:
Atoms contain electrons and when an electron is in an excited state it is due to it having taken on an photon.

Electrons are excited when the atom absorbs a specific quantity of energy, regardless of where that energy came from. It could come from absorption of a photon, a collision with another atom, an interaction with a subatomic particle, etc.
 
  • #7
Bruce Haawkins said:
Let me refrase my question how many photons at a wavelength of 1000 nm does it take to get a atom to a certan temprature.
Do you mean certain energy level? Since an atom won’t have temperature, only lots of atoms will have temperature.
 

Related to Average number of photons in a atom at a given temprature

What is the definition of "Average number of photons in a atom at a given temprature"?

The average number of photons in an atom at a given temperature refers to the average number of individual packets of electromagnetic energy that are present within an atom at a specific temperature. This number can vary depending on the type of atom and the temperature it is exposed to.

Why is the average number of photons in an atom important to study?

Studying the average number of photons in an atom is important because it can provide valuable insights into the behavior of atoms at different temperatures. This information can be used to better understand various physical and chemical processes, such as energy transfer and emission of light.

How is the average number of photons in an atom calculated?

The average number of photons in an atom can be calculated using the Planck distribution function, which takes into account the energy levels of the atom and the temperature at which it is being studied. This function can be used to determine the average number of photons at different energy levels, and then these numbers can be summed to get the total average number of photons.

What factors can affect the average number of photons in an atom?

The average number of photons in an atom can be affected by several factors, including the type of atom, the temperature, and the energy levels of the atom. Additionally, external factors such as pressure and magnetic fields can also impact the average number of photons in an atom.

How does the average number of photons in an atom change with temperature?

The average number of photons in an atom generally increases with temperature. This is because at higher temperatures, atoms have more energy and can transition to higher energy levels, resulting in the emission of more photons. However, the exact relationship between temperature and the average number of photons can vary depending on the specific properties of the atom being studied.

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