Electrons can move to higher energy levels when they ( absorb / emit ) energy .
Electrons can move to higher energy levels when they absorb energy.
Electrons can move to higher energy levels when they absorb energy.
Electrons can move to higher energy levels when they absorb energy. This is due to a process known as electron excitation. When an electron absorbs energy, it gains enough energy to jump from its current energy level to a higher energy level or orbit. This energy can come from various sources such as photons of light, heat, or electrical energy.
To understand this concept, it is essential to understand the basics of atomic structure. Electrons exist in discrete energy levels or shells around the nucleus of an atom. These energy levels are represented by numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on, with the first energy level closest to the nucleus. Each energy level has a specific amount of energy associated with it, and electrons occupy the lowest available energy levels before moving to higher ones.
When energy is supplied to an atom, such as through the absorption of a photon, the electron absorbs the energy and moves from its current energy level to a higher, less stable energy level. This process is called excitation. The absorbed energy is typically in the form of electromagnetic radiation, like visible light.
An electron in an excited state is not stable and tends to return to its original energy level. This transition back to a lower energy level involves the emission of energy. The electron releases the excess energy it gained when it absorbed the energy, either in the form of light (photons) or heat.
Overall, the movement of electrons to higher energy levels occurs by absorption of energy, followed by excitation, and eventually results in the emission of energy as the electron returns to its original energy level.