Answer: Electrons and Energy: Why do Atoms Gain/Lose Energy?

In summary, electrons are subatomic particles that play a crucial role in determining an atom's energy levels and chemical properties. Atoms gain or lose energy to achieve a more stable state, which can occur through various processes such as absorption or emission of photons. Electrons gain or lose energy through interactions with other particles or through chemical reactions. The amount of energy gained or lost by an atom is determined by the difference in energy levels during an electron transition. This can affect the atom's chemical properties by changing the arrangement of electrons in its outermost energy level, ultimately determining its bonding capabilities and reactivity with other atoms.
  • #1
friendbobbiny
49
2
Why do atoms gain energy when they lose electrons, and why do they lose energy when they gain electrons.

The only explanation I found (for the first question) raises more questions. The explanation was: it takes energy to remove an electron from an atom, and atoms gain that energy. I can understand why it takes energy to remove an electron from an atom, but why does the atom gain that energy?
 
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  • #2
Law of conservation of energy.
 

1. What are electrons and how do they relate to energy?

Electrons are tiny subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. They are negatively charged and play a crucial role in determining an atom's energy levels and chemical properties.

2. Why do atoms gain or lose energy?

Atoms gain or lose energy in order to achieve a more stable state. This can happen through various processes such as absorption or emission of photons, or through chemical reactions.

3. How do electrons gain or lose energy?

Electrons can gain or lose energy through absorbing or emitting photons (packets of energy) during electron transitions between energy levels. They can also gain or lose energy through interactions with other particles or through chemical reactions.

4. What determines the amount of energy gained or lost by an atom?

The amount of energy gained or lost by an atom is determined by the difference in energy between the initial and final energy levels of the electron transition. This energy difference can be calculated using the formula E = hf, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is the frequency of the photon.

5. How does the energy gained or lost by atoms affect their chemical properties?

The energy gained or lost by atoms can affect their chemical properties by changing the arrangement of electrons in the atom's outermost energy level. This can result in different bonding capabilities and reactivity with other atoms, ultimately determining the chemical properties of the atom.

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