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New Theories / Re: Can an atom absorb a photon, yet its total kinetic energy is decreased.
« on: Yesterday at 23:50:28 »Let's assume an atom consists of the nucleus and electrons as point particles. Take the inertial frame to be that of the fixed laboratory. Its total energy consists of the total kinetic and potential energy of the system of particles.If an electron absorbs a photon of energy E, the total energy of the atom increases by E. Can it happen that this increase in energy result in an increase of its total potential energy = E + Del(potential energy) and its total kinetic energy decreases by Del(potential energy).I do not see why not. To stop anything I'm motion gives rise to an increace in PE, like turning the gates on a dam. No KE more PE. If an atom is travelling in one direction and is struck by an photon in an opposite direction absorbing it, the kinetic energy is transferred the atom. Like wise when a photon leaves an atom the atom is the opposite reaction.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photofission