Astronomy quiz question: photon emission/absorption

Astronomy 10 Quiz 8, Spring Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Astronomy 10 learning goal Q8.4

[Version 1]

Which one of the following choices best describes what will happen to an electron in an atom that emits a photon?
(A) Transform into a proton.
(B) Emit blackbody radiation.
(C) Undergo a redshift or a blueshift.
(D) Move from an inner to an outer orbital.
(E) Move from an outer to an inner orbital.

Correct answer: (E).

Student responses
Section 4160
(A) : 0 students
(B) : 3 students
(C) : 1 student
(D) : 5 students
(E) : 6 students

Section 5166
(A) : 0 students
(B) : 4 students
(C) : 3 students
(D) : 7 students
(E) : 9 students

[Version 2]

Which one of the following choices best describes what will happen to an electron in an atom that absorbs a photon?
(A) Transform into a proton.
(B) Emit blackbody radiation.
(C) Undergo a redshift or a blueshift.
(D) Move from an inner to an outer orbital.
(E) Move from an outer to an inner orbital.

Correct answer: (D).

Student responses
Section 4160
(A) : 0 students
(B) : 1 student
(C) : 2 student
(D) : 14 students
(E) : 1 students

Section 5166
(A) : 4 students
(B) : 3 students
(C) : 3 students
(D) : 14 students
(E) : 3 students