Emission occurs when an element or compound releases energy as either particles (such as electrons or ions) or electromagnetic radiation (such as photons). This process often results from energy changes within atoms or molecules, including electron transitions between energy levels or atomic/molecular vibrations. Emission can occur across a range of wavelengths, including visible light, and is typically triggered by heating or other forms of excitation.
- Energy Changes in Atoms/Molecules: Atoms and molecules absorb and release energy, causing changes in electron positions or molecular vibrations. This energy is often emitted as electromagnetic radiation.
- Electron Transitions: Electrons jump between specific energy levels within an atom. When they absorb energy, they move to higher levels; when they return to lower levels, they release energy as photons.
- Molecular Vibrations: In molecules, atoms vibrate within chemical bonds. When energy is absorbed, these vibrations increase, and the energy can be emitted as electromagnetic radiation, often in the infrared spectrum.
- Atomic vibrations refer to the back-and-forth movements of individual atoms around their fixed positions. This is often discussed in solid-state physics, where atoms in a solid are arranged in a regular pattern and can oscillate slightly while remaining in place overall.