Is the excitation and de-excitation of an electron from the ground state (of an atom) due to the collision of another particle (e.g. electron) an elastic collision or an inelastic collision.

It is an elastic collision. This is because, when a particle collides with the electron of an atom, a discrete amount of energy is transferred from the particle to the electron. This discrete amount of energy is enough for the electron to excite to another discrete energy level. When the electron de-excites, it releases a photon with energy equal to the discrete amount of energy which was used to excite the electron. As no energy is lost during this process, the excitation and de-excitation of the electron is an elastic collision.

AH
Answered by Akthar Hussain M. Physics tutor

2111 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Show that gravitational force within a nuclei is negilible compared with the electric repulsion.


How do stars form?


What do you understand by simple harmonic motion?


The flow of water in a pipe is turbulent. Define turbulent flow.


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