The orbits of electrons in an atom are sometimes compared to the orbits of the planets around the Sun. However, only one of these characteristics of electron orbits is shared with planetary orbits. Which one?
A) Larger orbits are associated with higher energies.
B) The particle motions must be described by quantum mechanics.
C) Only certain allowed orbits exist with certain allowed energies and allowed distances.
D) The orbiting particles exhibit both particle and wave properties.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Electron orbits in an atom and planetary orbits share the characteristic that larger orbits are associated with higher energies. In the context of an atom, electrons in larger orbits (further from the nucleus) have higher energy levels. Similarly, in the solar system, planets in orbits further from the Sun have higher potential energy due to gravity.

The Orbits of Electrons in an Atom Are Sometimes Compared