[Campbell Biology P.81] Based on Figure 2.6 b and the accompanying text, which statement co... | Practice Question

Based on Figure 2.6 b and the accompanying text, which statement correctly describes the energy changes associated with an electron's movement between atomic shells?

  • A: An electron moving from the first shell to the second shell would lose energy.
  • B: An electron moving from the third shell to the first shell would absorb energy.
  • C: Electrons can exist between fixed energy levels, continuously moving.
  • D: An electron moving from the first shell to the third shell would absorb energy, as indicated by the arrows pointing outwards in Figure 2.6(b).

Explanation

Figure 2.6 b illustrates electron shells, with the first shell being the lowest energy level and the third shell the highest. Arrows pointing outwards from the nucleus indicate 'Energy absorbed,' meaning electrons gain energy to move to higher shells. Conversely, arrows pointing inwards indicate 'Energy lost,' meaning electrons lose energy to move to lower shells. Therefore, moving from the first lowest to the third highest shell requires energy absorption.