2007-05-19 19:58:15 · 5 answers · asked by Angela J 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Light is the creation of a photon by the excitation of an electron that causes it to leave it's home energy state( A, K, or L) also called energy shells. When the electron loses the excess energy and slips back down to its home energy state/shell, it spits off a photon, a packet of energy that we see as visible light.
Light from a candle comes from the direct stimulation of electrons from the burning of the candle that gives extra( energy that wasn't there before, but is caused to be released by the liberation of the chemical energy stored in the wax caused by raising it's temperature above the burning point) energy to the electrons in the wax of the candle. The wax burns because it gets to excited from the burning reaction to stay still and changes its phase from solid wax to molten( liquid ) wax.
As the electron gets all excited and stuff, it leaps out of it's normal energy state and goes up a shell or two. When it loses that extra energy, it gives off a packet of photons, sort of like getting spare change from a dollar that someone gives you. You use the dollar( which you didn't have before) to buy a 25 cent soda, and now, you get change back. The electron gets more energy, but doesn't quite use it all. So, on the way back down, it gives it's "spare change" up as light.
Good luck, and turn on the lights.
2007-05-19 20:13:45 · answer #1 · answered by WelderBee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All light comes from electrons. The thermal energy of the hot gases kicks the electron to a higher energy state, from which it decays by emitting light.
2007-05-20 03:08:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you burn a material, basically what you're doing is creating a reaction with that material (in your case, candle wax) and oxygen. This releases energy stored in the material (wax) in various forms. Most of the energy escapes as heat, and that produces photons, which are light particles.
2007-05-20 03:03:20 · answer #3 · answered by Max 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. It comes from photons which are emitted by electrons as they change orbitals and form new bonds during the combustion process.
Doug
2007-05-20 03:04:20 · answer #4 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All light is photons, not electrons.
2007-05-20 03:00:43 · answer #5 · answered by Chug-a-Lug 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋