WHY can't electrons absorb photons of any energy?

In summary, electrons can only absorb photons of specific energies due to the quantized nature of their energy levels, which are determined by the structure of the atom or molecule they are a part of. However, in certain cases, electrons can absorb photons of higher or lower energy levels through excitation or de-excitation. This plays a crucial role in many physical and chemical processes, such as determining the colors of light absorbed or emitted by substances and the chemical reactions that can occur. Without this limitation, matter would behave very differently and many natural processes would not occur as they do.
  • #1
CAH
48
0
hey!

So oribital electrons can only absorb photons if they are the exact amount of energy between energy levels unless it is more than the ionisation energy.

But why can't they? Couldn't they just emit the extra energy or 'keep' it?

Thanks :smile:
 
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  • #2
CAH said:
Couldn't they just emit the extra energy
That process is possible, but very unlikely. Raman spectroscopy uses it, for example.
CAH said:
or 'keep' it?
They cannot. They cannot have an energy which does not correspond to one of the energy levels.
 

Related to WHY can't electrons absorb photons of any energy?

1. Why can't electrons absorb photons of any energy?

Electrons can only absorb photons of specific energies because of the quantized nature of their energy levels. This means that electrons can only exist at certain energy levels and can only absorb photons that match those energy levels.

2. What determines the energy levels that electrons can absorb?

The energy levels that electrons can absorb are determined by the structure of the atom or molecule they are a part of. Each element or molecule has a unique set of energy levels that its electrons can occupy.

3. Can electrons ever absorb photons of higher or lower energy levels?

Yes, in certain cases, electrons can absorb photons of higher or lower energy levels through a process called excitation or de-excitation. This occurs when the electron gains or loses energy, causing it to jump to a higher or lower energy level.

4. Why is it important for electrons to have specific energy levels that they can absorb?

The specific energy levels that electrons can absorb play a crucial role in many physical and chemical processes. For example, these energy levels determine the colors of light that are absorbed or emitted by substances, as well as the chemical reactions that can occur.

5. How does the inability of electrons to absorb any energy level affect the behavior of matter?

The inability of electrons to absorb any energy level affects the behavior of matter in many ways. It determines the chemical properties of elements and molecules, as well as their interactions with light and other forms of energy. Without this limitation, matter would behave very differently and many natural processes would not occur as they do.

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