An atom can become excited by the absorption of photons. Explain why only photons of certain frequencies cause excitation in a particular atom.

Electrons in an atom occupy discrete energy levels. An electron can only be excited to another level if it absorbs the exact amount of energy as the difference between the two levels. Therefore the energy of the photon it absorbs needs to be of a specific energy to excite it and, as E = hf, its energy needs to be a specific frequency.

AJ
Answered by Arinjay J. Physics tutor

14521 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is it important that the baryon and lepton numbers of an interaction are conserved?


The braking distance of a road train travelling at 15m/s is 70m. Assuming that the same braking force is applied at all speeds, show that the braking distance of a road train when travelling at 25m/s is about 190m.


Name the four fundamental forces.


What is dimensional analysis and how is it used?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences