0
$\begingroup$

Do excited electrons prefer to go directly onto the ground state or to go through an intermediate energy level? (I know it depends on the probability weather electrons take a direct way to the ground state or go through intermediate energy levels but I want to know which has more probability)

Or, I can ask this like

When we excite an electron with a high energy photon(exciting it to a higher than second energy level), is it more likely to emit only one photon or to emit more than one photon?

Or,

If we have so many excited atoms(or many excited electrons in a single atom) and all are at a higher energy level(say at n=3), will more electrons emit 2 photons(by taking intermediate energy level) and fewer electrons emit 1 photon(by directly going into the ground state) or more electrons emit 1 photon and fewer electrons emit 2 photons?

Thanks in advance

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
3
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ Please look at the simplified sodium energy levels diagram in my answer here. Those pathways heading downward have various transition probabilities. So think about what that implies. $\endgroup$
    – Ed V
    Oct 5, 2022 at 12:58
  • $\begingroup$ Can anyone answer? $\endgroup$
    – Super Nova
    Oct 14, 2022 at 15:25
  • $\begingroup$ There are too many variables to give one simple answer. If you look at the neon lines linked figure here, just to pick the simple example of a common neon lamp, you see lots of emission lines. Be sure to read the text that accompanies the figure. There is no way to predict exactly how one neon excited atom might de-excite. For lots of excited neon atoms, as in the simple neon lamp, everything happens, with various transition probabilities. $\endgroup$
    – Ed V
    Oct 14, 2022 at 19:25

0

Reset to default

Your Answer

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