Which of the following is correct for the energy levels in an atomic system?
Choose one answer.
a. The energy value increases with the distance from the nucleus.
b. The energy value decreases with the distance from the nucleus.
c. The energy value remains the same for all the energy levels.
d. The energy value first increases and then decreases as it goes away from the nucleus.
To determine which of the given options is correct for the energy levels in an atomic system, let's review the principles of atomic structure.
In an atomic system, electrons occupy energy levels or orbitals around the nucleus. These energy levels are represented by specific quantum numbers, such as n = 1, 2, 3, and so on. Each energy level corresponds to a different amount of energy.
According to the Bohr model of the atom, which is a simplified representation of atomic structure, the energy of the electrons in an atom is quantized. This means that the energy levels are discrete and distinct from one another, rather than being continuous.
Now, let's analyze the given options:
a. The energy value increases with the distance from the nucleus.
This option is incorrect. In the Bohr model, as the distance from the nucleus increases, the energy of the electrons decreases.
b. The energy value decreases with the distance from the nucleus.
This option is correct. According to the Bohr model and quantum mechanics, as the distance from the nucleus increases, the energy of the electrons decreases. Electrons closer to the nucleus have lower energy levels.
c. The energy value remains the same for all the energy levels.
This option is incorrect. Energy levels in an atomic system are not the same. Electrons in different energy levels have different amounts of energy.
d. The energy value first increases and then decreases as it goes away from the nucleus.
This option is incorrect. According to the Bohr model, as the distance from the nucleus increases, the energy of the electrons consistently decreases. There is no point at which the energy increases before decreasing.
Therefore, the correct answer is b. The energy value decreases with the distance from the nucleus.