2006-09-08 06:38:25 · 6 answers · asked by goring 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
If it would not move inside the atom than it would no longer behave as a wave. Isnt a wave moving?
2006-09-08 06:46:03 · update #1
Sam I Am is correct except for one subtle nuance... when the photon is absorbed by an atom, it is not moving (correct) but it does not slow down and when it is re-emitted it does not speed back up to the speed of light (iow, sam, the reason its not moving is because it's not there anymore). Instead when the photon is absorbed it is instantly "destroyed" or converted into the energy needed to jump an electron into a higher energy level. when the electron collapses back down, it may release a photon which is created instantaneously travelling at the speed of light. essentially, whenever a photon exists it is always travelling at the speed of light. when it is absorbed by an atom it temporarily does not exist
2006-09-08 06:45:12 · answer #1 · answered by promethius9594 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well put Promethius, but I think I should also add that Photons are not the only particles that behave like waves. De Broglie proved that indeed EVERYTHING has it's own wavelength from the tiniest electron to an entire elephant.
I don't possess a degree in physics but I'm pretty sure the transfer of energy from the photon to the electron changes the De Broglie wave of the atom and in that sense the photon still exists as energy, it's just not a seperate entity until it is "reborn".
2006-09-08 14:34:46 · answer #2 · answered by Binary Buzz 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When a photon is absorbed... it's no longer moving.
The energy is used to move electrons to higher energy state (bumps up to another electron orbital).
2006-09-08 13:41:56 · answer #3 · answered by Sam I AM 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Otherwise muchly deterioration, Babu! You eider contribude to de atom or you bouncing off, yesly.
2006-09-08 13:47:51 · answer #4 · answered by vanamont7 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
it's spelled photon i believe they tranverse their energy field at varying elemental velocity relationsthey are without relative mass , they bounce around inside of their particular wave particle, in a semi---chaotic manner, that is they bounce around, it is possible that in cases of decreased resistance they can exceed the velocity of other elements of their wave
2006-09-08 14:11:08 · answer #5 · answered by Book of Changes 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
promethius is right
2006-09-08 14:30:47 · answer #6 · answered by Davon 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋