radiative transitions

Radiative transitions occur when an atom or molecule changes from a higher energy state to a lower one by releasing energy as light or other electromagnetic radiation. This process happens naturally and is responsible for phenomena like the glow of a firefly or the colors in a rainbow. In atoms, electrons move between energy levels; when they drop to a lower level, they emit a photon—a particle of light. These transitions help scientists understand the composition of stars and other celestial objects, and they are fundamental to many technologies, including lasers and fluorescent lights.