Consider these two cases. Case 1: An electron jumps from energy level 3 to energy level 5 in an atom. Case 2: An electron jumps from energy level 3 to energy level 7 in an atom.

Question

For case 1, what happens when an electron jumps from energy level 3 to energy level 5 in an atom?

1. A proton is emitted by the atom.
2. A photon is emitted by the atom.
3. A proton is absorbed by the atom.
4. A photon is absorbed by the atom.

Assuming that both cases describe Hydrogen‑like atoms with one electron, for which case is more energy emitted or absorbed?

1. More energy is emitted or absorbed for case 2.
2. It is impossible to tell.
3. The energy is the same for both cases.
4. More energy is emitted or absorbed for case 1.

Answer 1

For case 1, a photon is absorbed by the atom. This is because for an electron to JUMP to a higher energy level, energy must be added to the atom.

Comparing both cases, more energy is absorbed fro case 2. This is because the electron is jumping 4 levels (from 3 to 7) in case 2 compared to it jumping 2 levels (from 3 to 5) is case 1. This requires MORE energy to be absorbed.