Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the electron configuration for the valence electrons in a chlorine atom?
2
views
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following best explains how electrons gain energy to move to higher energy levels in the electron cloud?
A
By absorbing a photon of appropriate energy
B
By colliding with neutrons in the nucleus
C
By emitting a photon of appropriate energy
D
By losing kinetic energy
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that electrons in an atom occupy specific energy levels or orbitals, and to move to a higher energy level, an electron must gain energy equal to the difference between these levels.
Recall that energy transfer to electrons occurs through interactions with electromagnetic radiation, specifically photons, which are packets of light energy.
Recognize that when an electron absorbs a photon with energy exactly matching the energy gap between its current level and a higher level, it can jump to that higher energy state.
Note that collisions with neutrons in the nucleus are not a mechanism for electron excitation because neutrons are neutral and located in the nucleus, far from the electron cloud.
Understand that emitting a photon corresponds to an electron losing energy and moving to a lower energy level, so gaining energy requires absorption, not emission.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations