Energy levels in atoms

The closer the object is to the bottom of the hole, the more energy it takes to lift it out. The same concept applies to electrons in an atom. In summary, the closer an electron is to the nucleus, the lower its energy level is within the atom. This is because these electrons are held tighter by the nucleus, requiring more energy to remove them from the atom. In contrast, electrons farther away from the nucleus have higher energy levels and can be removed with less energy. This is due to the fact that they are not as tightly bound to the nucleus and are therefore easier to remove. This concept can be compared to lifting an object out of a hole in the ground, where the deeper the object is in the hole, the more
  • #1
waterliyl
11
0
Why do electrons closer to nucleus have
Less energy than electrons first away?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi,
I guess the other way is true: The electrons that are closer to nucleus require more energy to remove from the atom. The outer electrons can be removed with less energy when compared to electrons that are closer to nucleus. Hope it helps.
Cheers,
Rajini
 
  • #3
They have a lower energy level because they are held tighter ... thought about another way: the electrons must be moving faster (higher kinetic energy) in order to avoid being pulled closer.
 
  • #4
Rajini said:
The electrons that are closer to nucleus require more energy to remove from the atom.

True! However, when the electron is "completely removed" we say (by convention) that it has zero energy. Electrons that are bound in an atom have negative energy. When removing an electron, we add energy, raising it from negative to zero. If an electron requires more energy to remove, it must have been at a lower (more negative) energy to begin with.

Think of raising an object out of a hole in the ground.
 

What are energy levels in atoms?

Energy levels in atoms refer to the different levels of energy that electrons can occupy within an atom. These energy levels are represented as shells or orbitals, with the lowest energy level being closest to the nucleus and the highest energy level being furthest away.

How many energy levels do atoms have?

The number of energy levels in an atom depends on the number of electrons it has. Each energy level can hold a certain number of electrons: the first level can hold 2, the second level can hold 8, the third level can hold 18, and so on. However, not all atoms have electrons in all of these energy levels.

How do electrons move between energy levels?

Electrons can move between energy levels by gaining or losing energy. This can happen through interactions with other atoms, photons of light, or thermal energy. When an electron gains energy, it can move to a higher energy level. When it loses energy, it can move to a lower energy level.

What happens when electrons move to a higher energy level?

When electrons move to a higher energy level, they become excited. This means they have more energy and are less stable. The electrons will eventually release this excess energy, often in the form of light, and return to a lower energy level. This process is known as emission and is the basis for many scientific applications, such as fluorescent lights and lasers.

What is the significance of energy levels in atoms?

The energy levels in atoms play a crucial role in determining the chemical and physical properties of elements. The specific arrangement of electrons in an atom's energy levels determines its reactivity, ability to form bonds, and many other characteristics. Understanding energy levels in atoms is essential for understanding the behavior and properties of matter at a fundamental level.

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