0
$\begingroup$

If an atoms nucleus absorbs a proton following proton bombardment its potential well would get correspondingly deeper.

Would electrons in the atoms orbital then be affected?

(A crude analogy might be the effect in the moon if the earth gained significant mass)

Would those orbital electrons transition to the deeper orbital energy state emitting Lyman like emissions?

If so do we see something similar after beta decay of a nucleus?

If a proton transitions within the S1 orbital of an atom for sufficient time would we see similar emissions during the time of transit?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ It is not clear to me what you are asking in your last paragraph so my answer does not address that question. $\endgroup$
    – Lewis Miller
    Commented Aug 23, 2016 at 15:18

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0
$\begingroup$

The capture of a proton by a nucleus does not yield a deeper potential (it's already infinitely deep, $Z/r$), but it does increase the binding of electron orbitals. The same occurs in beta decay. The emitted radiation is not Lyman like (it is more complicated). It involves the rearrangement of all of the effected orbitals. I'll leave it to an experimentalist to describe what is actually observed.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.