Can visible light excite electrons?

In summary, visible photons can be absorbed by electrons, causing them to emit another photon of the same frequency or become excited and emit energy. This process can occur in different materials, such as glass or black bodies, and can have various effects, such as heating up or generating electrical energy. Another example of this phenomenon is fluorescence.
  • #1
LogicalAcid
137
0
If so, then that means they can cause things to warm up right?
 
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  • #2
yes this can happen . The electron can absorb the visible photon.
And you can have other things like Compton scattering.
 
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  • #3
cragar said:
yes this can happen . The electron can absorb the visible photon.
Then turns it into enegy, exites the electrons, and emits another photon of the same frequency
 
  • #4
It doesn't necessarily have to re-emit the photon depends on the material.
 
  • #5
cragar said:
It doesn't necessarily have to re-emit the photon depends on the material.

"Depends on the material" ?
 
  • #6
like glass is transparent so the photons pass through the glass get absorbed and re-emitted among other thing, I think there is a faq on this , Or if i had a black body it would want to absorb most of the incoming light and it would heat up.
 
  • #7
Good old fashioned film photography relies on visible light causing a chemical reaction to occur. When viewed at a quantum level it is exciting an electron in the silver compounds involved.
 
  • #9
LogicalAcid said:
If so, then that means they can cause things to warm up right?

except in the case o fphotovoltaics, when the energy is also converted into ellectrical energy.
 

FAQ: Can visible light excite electrons?

What is the relationship between visible light and exciting electrons?

The relationship between visible light and exciting electrons is that visible light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that can excite electrons. When a photon of visible light interacts with an atom, it can transfer its energy to an electron, causing it to move to a higher energy level.

How does visible light excite electrons?

Visible light excites electrons by transferring its energy to the electrons. This transfer of energy causes the electrons to become excited and move to a higher energy level. The amount of energy transferred depends on the frequency of the light, with higher frequency light having more energy to excite electrons.

Can all types of visible light excite electrons?

Yes, all types of visible light can excite electrons. However, the amount of energy transferred to the electrons may vary depending on the frequency of the light. Higher frequency light, such as blue or violet light, has more energy and can excite electrons more easily than lower frequency light, such as red or orange light.

What happens to electrons after they are excited by visible light?

After being excited by visible light, electrons may either return to their original energy level or continue to move to higher energy levels. If they return to their original energy level, they will release the energy they gained from the light in the form of a photon. If they continue to move to higher energy levels, they may eventually reach a point where they no longer have enough energy to move and will remain in that energy level.

Can visible light excite electrons in all materials?

Yes, visible light can excite electrons in all materials. However, the amount of energy needed to excite electrons may vary depending on the material. Some materials, such as metals, have loosely bound electrons that are easier to excite, while other materials, such as insulators, have tightly bound electrons that require more energy to be excited.

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