2.16 Compare and contrast absorption, emission, and the photoelectric effect. Describe the role that photons and electrons play in each phenomenon.

What happens during absorption, and what are the roles of photons and electrons?

Photon Role: A photon is absorbed by an atom, transferring its energy to an electron.

Electron Role: The electron absorbs the photon’s energy and moves to a higher energy level (excited state).

What happens during emission, and what are the roles of photons and electrons?

Photon Role: An excited electron emits a photon as it returns to a lower energy level.

Electron Role: The electron falls to a lower energy state, releasing energy in the form of a photon.

What happens during the photoelectric effect, and what are the roles of photons and electrons?

Photon Role: A photon strikes a metal surface and transfers its energy to an electron in the metal.

Electron Role: The electron absorbs the photon’s energy and is ejected from the metal if the photon has enough energy to overcome the work function.

.

.