Why Do Electrons Closer to the Nucleus Have Lower Energy?

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SUMMARY

Electrons closer to the nucleus possess lower energy levels due to their stronger electrostatic attraction to the positively charged nucleus. This results in a more negative energy state for these electrons compared to those further away. When an electron is removed from an atom, energy must be supplied to overcome this attraction, indicating that the bound electrons have negative energy values. The concept of energy levels in atomic structure is crucial for understanding electron behavior and energy transitions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure and electron configuration
  • Familiarity with concepts of kinetic and potential energy
  • Knowledge of electrostatic forces and their effects on charged particles
  • Basic grasp of energy levels and quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of quantum mechanics related to electron energy levels
  • Explore the concept of ionization energy and its significance in atomic physics
  • Learn about the relationship between electron velocity and energy in atomic models
  • Investigate the implications of negative energy states in quantum systems
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators in atomic theory, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of electron behavior in atoms.

waterliyl
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Why do electrons closer to nucleus have
Less energy than electrons first away?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 
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.
 
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.
 

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