Can a Photon be Absorbed Without the Exact Energy Level?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of energy quantization in quantum mechanics and how it relates to the absorption and emission of radiation by atoms. It is explained that while there are specific energy levels at which atoms can absorb and emit radiation, the energy of a photon does not have to exactly match these levels in order for the atom to be affected. There is an inherent uncertainty in quantum systems which allows for a range of possibilities. This results in spectral lines being bell-shaped probability curves rather than sharp lines. The conversation also touches on factors that can broaden the width of these lines, such as Doppler effects.
  • #36
ancient Chinese proverb (I think);

if your spectral lines are too broad just use the zoom function and zoom on out a bit...
 
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  • #37
NaiveTay said:
then what are the chances this radiation will be the exact amount required for an electron jump of any of the finite number of elements?
The same phenomenon occurs in in the simple case of (transmission)http://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/science/physics-and-astronomy/scattering-and-tunnelling/content-section-3.5. There are resonances at certain energies (corresponding to how many wavelengths fit in the well). See Figure 13. The resonances do not occur only at an exact energy, since there is still a resonant effect when the wavelengths almost fit in the well. The resonances are sharper in the case of transmission through two barriers as discussed here (PDF), if the walls are high/thick so the waves resonate for many cycles (This is what you refer to as "absorbed").
 
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