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Title: What happens to an electron as it absorbs a photon of light? Post by: smithcherry on Sep 15, 2012 What happens to an electron in an atom of an element when it absorbs a photon of light? I think this is asking physical changes but give me everything that you know! Thank You!
Title: What happens to an electron as it absorbs a photon of light? Post by: mightypulpo on Sep 15, 2012 The electron can be promoted from the ground state to a higher energy level state (one that is normally unoccupied). This is unstable and the electron will normally find a way to return to the ground state by releasing this energy (emitting light or other means). If the photon is energetic enough, it may also knock the electron off the atom, leaving it as a +1 ion.
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