The diagram represents energy levels in a hydrogen atom. The labeled transitions (A through E. represent an electron moving between energy levels. Suppose that an electron in a hydrogen atom absorbs 10.2 eV of energy, so that it moves from level 1 to level 2. What typically happens next?
A) The electron returns to level 1 by emitting an ultraviolet photon with 10.2 eV of energy.
B) The electron jumps to level 3 as soon as it absorbs any additional energy.
C) The electron remains in level 2 until it absorbs an additional 10.2 eV of energy.
D) A different electron drops into level 1, since it is now unoccupied.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an electron absorbs energy and moves to a higher energy level, it is said to be in an excited state. The electron will eventually lose this energy and return to its original energy level. This typically happens through the emission of a photon (a particle of light) with the same amount of energy as the original absorption. In this case, the electron would emit an ultraviolet photon with 10.2 eV of energy when it returns to level 1, as described in choice A. Choices B and C are not accurate representations of how electron energy levels work in atoms. Choice D is also incorrect, as electrons in atoms are not interchangeable in this way.

The Diagram Represents Energy Levels in a Hydrogen Atom