When an electron changes energy levels in an atom, it can emit or absorb a photon. This phenomenon is a result of the quantized nature of energy in atomic systems and is explained by quantum mechanics.
Electrons in an atom occupy discrete energy levels, and they can transition between these levels by either absorbing or emitting energy in the form of photons. The energy of a photon is directly related to its frequency or wavelength, according to the equation E = hf, where E is the energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is the frequency. When an electron moves to a lower energy level, it emits a photon with energy equal to the energy difference between the two levels. Conversely, when an electron absorbs a photon, it can move to a higher energy level.
The emission or absorption of a photon during an energy level transition is a manifestation of the conservation of energy. When an electron changes energy levels, the energy difference is released or absorbed as a photon. This process is not directly related to the transfer of current in an electromagnetic field.
It is important to note that the behavior of particles and electromagnetic fields is described by quantum electrodynamics (QED), a quantum field theory that combines quantum mechanics with electromagnetism. QED provides a more comprehensive framework for understanding the behavior of photons, electrons, and their interactions in terms of quantum fields.