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Physics

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  • $\begingroup$ The wavefunction doesn't collapse in the moment the photon is absorbed by the atom, but in the moment you measure the atom to be excited. $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 1, 2021 at 9:30
  • $\begingroup$ In the case of emission, the wavefunction suddenly appears in the vicinity of the atom and then radiates out from that source. Who told you that? $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 1, 2021 at 10:15
  • $\begingroup$ @Gert please correct me regarding 'emission' $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 1, 2021 at 19:17
  • $\begingroup$ @RogerWood The Time Dependent SE describes these transitions from, say $\psi_1$ to $\psi_2$. The wave function as you understand it here is for stationary states only. $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 1, 2021 at 20:53
  • $\begingroup$ @RogerWood en.wikipedia.org/wiki/… $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 1, 2021 at 20:56