Franck-Hertz Law

The Franck-Hertz Law describes how atoms absorb energy from electrons in certain situations. In a controlled experiment, when electrons with enough energy collide with gas atoms, they can transfer energy to the atoms, causing them to become excited. This means the atoms can move to a higher energy state for a brief time. However, if the electrons don’t have the right amount of energy, they simply pass by without affecting the atoms. This law helps us understand atomic behavior and underpins technologies like fluorescent lights and gas discharge lamps, where colorful light results from these energy exchanges.