An atom consists of theree energy levels given by a ground state with energy `E_(0)=0`, the first excited state with energy `E_(1)=K` and the second excited state with energy `E_(2)=2K` where `K gt 0`. The atom is initially in the ground state. Light from a laser which emits photons with energy `1.5 K` is shined on the atom. Which of the following is`//`are correct?

Options

A. The photons are absorbed, putting one atom in a state `E_(1)` and one atom in a state `E_(2)`
B. A photon will always be absorbed, but half the time the atom will go into the state with energy K and the other half into state with energy 2K. In this way, energy will be conserved on the average
C. The atom absorbs a photon, goes into the the first excited state with energy K and emits a photon with energy 0.5 K to conserve energy
D. The atom does not absorb any photon and stays in the ground state.

Answer

D

Explanation

The atom will absorb photon whose energy is equal to the energy gap between two energy levels of the atom.