Electron energy levels

Question 1

What happens to unstable isotopes

Answer 1

• Unstable isotopes undergo radioactive decay in which they turn into other elements
• They can emit alpha, beta or gamma radiation

Question 2

What are energy levels in an atom

Answer 2

• Each atom consists of a nucleus which is surrounded by electron shells
• These electron shells are different energy levels
• As you get away from the nucleus, the energy level of each shell increases

Question 3

How does an electron change energy levels

Answer 3

• Sometimes, an electron gains enough energy via electromagnetic radioation that it can move up an energy level (shell)
• When this happens, the electron has become “excited”
• However, the electron usually falls back down and emits the enery back as electromagnetic radiation

Question 4

What is ionisation (radiation)

Answer 4

• Sometimes, the outer shell electron gains eneough energy to leave the atom entirely
• The atom becomes a positive ion

Question 5

What is ionisation radiation

Answer 5

• Radiaion that is able to knock electrons off atoms