Which of the following best explains what is happening when an atom emits light?

Question

Which of the following best explains what is happening when an atom emits light? Heat energy is convening a neutron into a proton and an electron, which is ejected into the orbit of the nucleus, releasing light energy. A proton is undergoing a nuclear change in the nucleus and is emitting a high energy light wave in the process. An electron is jumping from a low energy state to a high energy state with the difference in energy being converted to light energy. An electron is dropping from a higher to a lower energy level with the difference in energy between the two being emitted as light energy. Heat energy is speeding up the orbit of the electrons and the resulting Doppler shit causes light to be emitted from the electrons.

Explanation / Answer

Ans. Energy of an electromagnetic radiation is given by,

            E = hv             ; where, h = Plank’s constant, v = frequency

When an atom (usually metal) absorbs energy (say, heat energy, E = hv), it’s electrons jump to a higher orbital absorbing the heat energy. When the excited electrons fall to the group state, they release energy (E’ = hv’). If the frequency of emitted light falls in the range of visible spectrum (400 nm- 700 nm wavelength range), the atoms/ metal seems to be glowing because the emitted EMR is perceived as light by human eye.

This is the reason, metals shine in light or when sufficiently heated. Also, the wavelength of emitted light determines the color of metallic sheen.

Note: The metallic sheen or light emitted by atom is purely a physical phenomenon. There is no direct involvement of neutrons or protons or other sub-nuclear particles in this process.

Thus, correct option: “An electron is dropping ---- light energy”

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