Electron Energy Levels

Question 1

Describe how an inner electron can move between energy levels.

Answer 1

• An electron can move into a higher energy level by absorbing electromagnetic radiation
• An electron can move into a lower energy level by emitting electromagnetic radiation

Question 2

State the name of the type of particle created when an atom loses or gains outer electrons.

Answer 2

Ion

Question 3

State the charge of the particle if it is created by an atom losing an outer electron.

Answer 3

+1

Question 4

(Exam-style question)

Answer 4

Question 5

(Exam-style question)

Explain why electrons falling to the first energy level of an atom release electromagnetic radiation with a higher frequency than those falling to the second energy level.

Answer 5

• As you get further away from a nucleus, the energy levels get closer together
• Electrons falling to the first energy level have a greater change in energy than those falling to the second energy level
• This means they release electromagnetic radiation with a higher energy
• Therefore, a higher frequency is released when an electron falls to the first energy level