The Absorption & Emission of EM Radiation Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

How are electrons arranged in an atom?

At different distances from the nucleus, in different energy levels (shells).

What happens to an electron when it absorbs electromagnetic radiation?

It moves to a higher energy level, further from the nucleus.

What happens when an electron moves to a lower energy level, closer to the nucleus?

It emits energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation.

True or false? An electron must emit electromagnetic radiation to move further from the nucleus.

False. It must absorb electromagnetic radiation to move to a higher energy level.

True or false? Absorbing electromagnetic radiation changes the number of protons in an atom.

False. It only changes the energy level of an electron; the nucleus is unaffected.