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QPages 382-383: Q9: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Bohr's Model and Physics of the Atom Pages 382-383: Q9 Solution: We have stimulated emission and spontaneous emission. Do we…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students frequently assume that only emission can be "stimulated" and therefore deny the existence of stimulated absorption; in reality the absorption rate is also proportional to the photon density (Einstein B coefficient) and is induced by the same radiation field, while "spontaneous absorption" is not a distinct process but merely thermal excitation.

We have stimulated emission and spontaneous emission. Do we also have stimulated absorption and spontaneous absorption?

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** No, we do not have stimulated absorption or spontaneous absorption. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** Stimulated emission occurs when an incoming photon triggers an excited atom to emit a second identical photon. Spontaneous emission occurs without any external trigger. Absorption, however, always requires an incoming photon of the correct energy to excite the atom. There is no spontaneous" absorption absorption without a photon) or "stimulated" absorption in the sense of being triggered by another photon of the same frequency. Absorption is simply the reverse of emission, but it always requires a photon

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