How Is It Possible for an Atom to Emit Visible

question 88

Multiple Choice

How is it possible for an atom to emit visible light even though the atom is smaller than the wavelength of visible light?

• A)It's not possible. If a single atom emitted visible light, an atom would be visible under a high powered microscope.
• B)Any charged object, including the smallest atom, generates electromagnetic waves as it vibrates, which we observe in the visible spectrum of an element.
• C)As the electrons from an atom are excited, some of them reach escape velocity thus leaving the sphere of influence of the nucleus. These photons are observed in the visible spectrum.
• D)An atom does not emit light in the visible range of the spectrum, only in the UV wavelength range, since ultraviolet light wavelengths are smaller than atoms.

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Definitions:

Ceteris Paribus

Ceteris paribus is a Latin phrase meaning "all other things being equal," used in economics to isolate the effect of one variable change in the study of a phenomenon.

Inductive Reasoning

A method of reasoning in which general conclusions are drawn from specific observations or instances, often used in scientific and philosophical contexts.

Single Factor

In economics, a variable or input that is considered in isolation to evaluate its impact on an outcome or process.

Normative Economics

A branch of economics that focuses on what ought to be or what should happen, often involving judgments and prescriptions for economic policy.