Q&A

# Is that electron which jumps from one stationary state to another?

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In classical physics book of kleppner, i read that

An atom can "jump" from one stationary state a to a lower b by emitting radiation with $E_a-E_b$. The frequency of the emitted "package of radiation" is $$\nu=\frac{E_a-E_b}{h}$$

I remember accurately what I read on chemistry book of Bohr atomic model, I had read that electrons can jump from one state to another by emitting of absorbing radiation. So I think it ("atom") was a typo, wasn’t it? Or there's some other information what I am missing?

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The electrons by themselves don't absorb or release this energy. They do that within the context of the atom they are within. The discrete energy levels available to electrons are only there due to them being lumped together in close proximity to the other electrons, protons, and neutrons that form the structure we call an atom.

It's like a book has more potential energy when on a higher shelf in a bookcase. While books can have potential energy by themselves, the concept of discrete levels due to which shelf they are on makes no sense without the bookcase.

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