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Because it can't. It's a one-at-a-time thing. That's what quantum mechanics is based on. If a photon arrived at a "possible reaction site" and it isn't the "right" energy (it's energy is too high or too low) to cause the event to happen, it won't happen. And if two arrive at the correct energy, only one participates. It's like the little guys formed a "back room deal" as to what and how they were going to interact! Things happen one at a time owing to the "will" of the participants. Quantity control is a reality of quantum mechanics. The photons and electrons don't want it any other way (by their very natures), so it won't happen any other way. They refuse any other offers.

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Can free electron absorb photon?

Yes, free electrons can absorb photons. When a photon interacts with a free electron, it can transfer its energy to the electron, causing it to move to a higher energy level or even be ejected from the material. This process is the basis for various phenomena such as photoelectric effect and Compton scattering.


What is the difference between Compton scattering and the photoelectric effect in terms of their interactions with photons?

Compton scattering involves the collision of a photon with an electron, resulting in the photon losing energy and changing direction. The photoelectric effect, on the other hand, involves the absorption of a photon by an electron, causing the electron to be ejected from the material. In summary, Compton scattering involves the photon changing direction and losing energy, while the photoelectric effect involves the absorption of the photon by an electron.


What are the possible modes of photon disintegration?

Photon disintegration can occur through the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and pair production. In the photoelectric effect, a photon is absorbed by an atom, ejecting an electron. Compton scattering involves a photon colliding with an electron, causing the photon to lose energy and change direction. Pair production occurs when a photon interacts with the nucleus of an atom, producing an electron-positron pair.


What affects velocity of electron in the photoelectric effect?

The velocity of an electron in the photoelectric effect is primarily determined by the energy of the incident photon. If the photon energy is greater than the work function of the material, the electron can be ejected with higher velocity. Additionally, factors like the electric field in the material can influence the electron's velocity.


What is the opposite effect with respect to photoelectric phenomenon?

The opposite effect to the photoelectric phenomenon is the Compton effect, where a photon interacts with an electron and transfers some of its energy to the electron, causing the photon to scatter with reduced energy. This effect is a form of inelastic scattering and demonstrates the particle-like nature of light.


What is the inverse of photoelectric effect?

The inverse of the photoelectric effect is known as the Compton effect, where a photon scatters off an electron, resulting in a change in the photon's wavelength and energy. This phenomenon occurs when a photon imparts part of its energy to an electron in a collision, causing the photon to lose energy and the electron to gain energy.


What is the inverse process of photoelectric effect?

The inverse process of the photoelectric effect is the emission of a photon when an excited electron transitions to a lower energy level within an atom or molecule, known as photoluminescence. This process involves the release of light energy in the form of a photon.


Would a photon having a wavelength of 275 nm produce the photoelectric effect in lead?

Yes, a photon with a wavelength of 275 nm has enough energy (greater than the work function of lead) to eject an electron and produce the photoelectric effect in lead.


What are the differences between Compton scatter and the photoelectric effect in terms of their interactions with matter?

Compton scatter occurs when a photon collides with an outer electron, causing the photon to lose energy and change direction. The photoelectric effect, on the other hand, involves a photon being absorbed by an inner electron, causing the electron to be ejected from the atom. In terms of interactions with matter, Compton scatter is more likely to occur with higher energy photons and heavier elements, while the photoelectric effect is more prominent with lower energy photons and lighter elements.


Which phenomenon is inverse of photoelectric effect?

The inverse of the photoelectric effect is the Compton effect, where a photon interacts with an electron and loses energy in the process. This results in the photon scattering off the electron with a longer wavelength.


How light is absorb?

By the agitation of an electron by a photon.


What are the differences between photoelectric and Compton effects in the interaction of X-rays with matter?

The photoelectric effect occurs when an X-ray photon is absorbed by an atom, ejecting an electron. The Compton effect involves the scattering of an X-ray photon by an electron, resulting in a decrease in energy and a change in direction. Both effects play a role in the interaction of X-rays with matter, but the mechanisms and outcomes are different.