Transition states of electron in atom

In summary, when a particular energy is given to a neutral atom, an electron from ground state jumps to upper state by absorbing the energy. The excited electron then releases energy and jumps back to its ground state. This transition of electrons only occurs in neutral atoms and not in ionized ones. The need for the electron to jump from the excited state to the ground state is due to basic thermodynamics, as systems tend to go towards lower energy states. Absorption of energy does not result in a change in charge, only a change in energy state. It is not possible to transfer an ion to a neutral atom by supplying energy, as ionization only removes electrons and cannot make an ionized atom neutral.
  • #1
astro2cosmos
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as we know when a particular energy is given to a neutral atom an electron from ground state jump to upper state (absorbing the energy). and that excited electron after sometime by releasing energy jump again to its ground state.
my confusion is that firstly does this transition of electron occurs only in neutral atom, what happen if the atom is ionsed one? , secondly why there is need to jump from excited state to ground state since the electron has more energy than ealrier?
 
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  • #2
Yes, ions absorb as well.

Second question.. Um, basic thermodynamics?
 
  • #3
alxm said:
Yes, ions absorb as well.

Second question.. Um, basic thermodynamics?

what from "basic thermodynamics" to jump ?
 
  • #4
Basic thermodynamics: Things tend to go towards lower energy. Your post seemed to imply the opposite.
 
  • #5
alxm said:
Basic thermodynamics: Things tend to go towards lower energy. Your post seemed to imply the opposite.

ok.
so does it apply to ionized atom also means since an ionized atom need to release or absorb an electron to become neutral, so if we provide energy to that ionized atom than it should absorb that and by doing so Can that atom become neutral?
 
  • #6
You're confusing absorbing energy (in the form of a photon) with gaining charge, by trasnfer of electrons in a chemical reaction.

In absorption, a photon provides energy only, but no charge. An electron can absorb the energy and go to an excited state, but unless you're talking about a high energy photon like an x-ray, the electron doesn't leave the atom. No charge is transferred. A neutral atom is still neutral, and an ion is still an ion.

Charge transfer is a totally different process. You shouldn't say that an ion needs to release or "absorb" an electron to become neutral, because that confuses things. In that case, the electron just needs to transfer, it doesn't need to absorb any energy.
 
  • #7
johng23 said:
You're confusing absorbing energy (in the form of a photon) with gaining charge, by trasnfer of electrons in a chemical reaction.

In absorption, a photon provides energy only, but no charge. An electron can absorb the energy and go to an excited state, but unless you're talking about a high energy photon like an x-ray, the electron doesn't leave the atom. No charge is transferred. A neutral atom is still neutral, and an ion is still an ion.

Charge transfer is a totally different process. You shouldn't say that an ion needs to release or "absorb" an electron to become neutral, because that confuses things. In that case, the electron just needs to transfer, it doesn't need to absorb any energy.

ok. but my confusion is still for:
why there is need to jump from excited state to ground state since the electron has more energy than earlier? it is only because of what above thermo. said? or anything else?
 
  • #8
It's like the previous poster said, basic thermo. Systems always seek the lowest energy state.

I'm not sure what gave you the opposite idea, but if you know what it is, you should post it because that's an important issue to get straight.
 
  • #9
johng23 said:
It's like the previous poster said, basic thermo. Systems always seek the lowest energy state.

I'm not sure what gave you the opposite idea, but if you know what it is, you should post it because that's an important issue to get straight.

my thought is that when we apply a very high energy to an ionised atom can there is any probability of production of charge so that this ion become a neutral one?
is there any way to transfer an ion to neutral atom by any way by suppling any form of energy?
 
  • #10
It doesn't really work that way. You can ionize an atom with high energy - if you provide enough energy that the electrons' kinetic energy is greater than their binding energy, they will escape the atom. You can only remove electrons that way though, so you can't make an ionized atom neutral.
 
  • #11
johng23 said:
It doesn't really work that way. You can ionize an atom with high energy - if you provide enough energy that the electrons' kinetic energy is greater than their binding energy, they will escape the atom. You can only remove electrons that way though, so you can't make an ionized atom neutral.

can this process be reverisible?
 

FAQ: Transition states of electron in atom

1. What is a transition state of an electron in an atom?

A transition state of an electron in an atom refers to the state in which an electron occupies a higher energy level or orbital compared to its original state. This transition can occur when the electron absorbs energy, such as through the absorption of light or heat.

2. How do electrons transition between energy levels in an atom?

Electrons can transition between energy levels in an atom by either absorbing or emitting energy in the form of photons. This transition is governed by the principles of quantum mechanics and follows specific energy level transitions based on the electron's position in the atom and the amount of energy it absorbs or emits.

3. What is the significance of transition states of electrons in atoms?

The transition states of electrons in atoms have significant implications in various fields such as chemistry, physics, and electronics. These transitions allow for the absorption and emission of light, which is essential for processes like photosynthesis and the creation of electronic devices.

4. Can electrons transition between energy levels in an atom without absorbing or emitting energy?

Yes, electrons can transition between energy levels in an atom without absorbing or emitting energy through a process called spontaneous emission. In this process, the electron releases energy in the form of a photon to transition to a lower energy level.

5. How does the transition state of an electron affect the properties of an atom?

The transition state of an electron can affect the properties of an atom, such as its reactivity and stability. For instance, when an electron transitions to a higher energy level, it may make the atom more reactive as it has more energy to interact with other atoms. Additionally, the transition state of an electron can also affect the atom's magnetic properties and spectral characteristics.

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