Because electron potential energy is greater the farther away a bound electron is from the nucleus, what results from an outer shell electron falling into an inner shell vacancy?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an outer shell electron falls into an inner shell vacancy, the electron loses potential energy as it moves closer to the nucleus. This lost energy is released in the form of electromagnetic radiation, such as a photon. Therefore, choice D ("Electromagnetic energy is released") is the correct answer. The other choices are not applicable to this process - the size and weight of the nucleus do not change, the binding energy of the outer shell electron does not decrease (in fact, it may increase due to the lower electron-electron repulsion), and the nucleus does not emit a proton.

Because Electron Potential Energy Is Greater the Farther Away a Bound