Which electron transition, 1 or 2 (shown above), would require the transfer of energy TO the atom (energy absorbed), and which transition would result in the transfer of energy FROM the atom to the surroundings (energy released)? Explain your reasoning, using the term potential energy in your response

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Which electron transition, 1 or 2 (shown above), would require the transfer of energy TO the atom (energy absorbed), and which transition would result in the transfer of energy FROM the atom to the surroundings (energy released)? Explain your reasoning, using the term potential energy in your response.
### Electron Transitions in Atomic Orbits

The image features two figures that illustrate electron transitions within an atom's electron orbits in relation to potential energy.

#### Figure A: Transition 1
**Description:**
This figure shows the transition of an electron jumping up to a higher energy level, further from the nucleus.

**Diagram Explanation:**
- The diagram displays concentric circles representing electron orbits around a nucleus located at the center.
- The electron initially resides in a lower energy orbit (closer to the nucleus).
- A transition arrow indicates the electron is moving to an outer orbit, which represents a higher energy state.
- This transition is directly linked to an increase in the electron's potential energy as it moves away from the nucleus.

**Key Points:**
- **Electron Jump:** Upward (away from the nucleus)
- **Energy State:** Higher potential energy

#### Figure B: Transition 2
**Description:**
This figure illustrates an electron dropping down to a lower energy level, closer to the nucleus.

**Diagram Explanation:**
- Similar to Figure A, concentric circles represent electron orbits with the nucleus at the center.
- The electron starts in an outer, higher-energy orbit.
- A downward transition arrow indicates the electron moving to an inner orbit, which signifies a lower energy state.
- This transition corresponds to a decrease in the electron's potential energy as it comes closer to the nucleus.

**Key Points:**
- **Electron Drop:** Downward (closer to the nucleus)
- **Energy State:** Lower potential energy

#### Summary:
Understanding these transitions is crucial in the study of atomic physics and quantum mechanics. These diagrams provide a visual representation of how electrons move between energy levels within an atom, which is fundamental to explaining phenomena such as the emission or absorption of light at specific wavelengths.
Transcribed Image Text:### Electron Transitions in Atomic Orbits The image features two figures that illustrate electron transitions within an atom's electron orbits in relation to potential energy. #### Figure A: Transition 1 **Description:** This figure shows the transition of an electron jumping up to a higher energy level, further from the nucleus. **Diagram Explanation:** - The diagram displays concentric circles representing electron orbits around a nucleus located at the center. - The electron initially resides in a lower energy orbit (closer to the nucleus). - A transition arrow indicates the electron is moving to an outer orbit, which represents a higher energy state. - This transition is directly linked to an increase in the electron's potential energy as it moves away from the nucleus. **Key Points:** - **Electron Jump:** Upward (away from the nucleus) - **Energy State:** Higher potential energy #### Figure B: Transition 2 **Description:** This figure illustrates an electron dropping down to a lower energy level, closer to the nucleus. **Diagram Explanation:** - Similar to Figure A, concentric circles represent electron orbits with the nucleus at the center. - The electron starts in an outer, higher-energy orbit. - A downward transition arrow indicates the electron moving to an inner orbit, which signifies a lower energy state. - This transition corresponds to a decrease in the electron's potential energy as it comes closer to the nucleus. **Key Points:** - **Electron Drop:** Downward (closer to the nucleus) - **Energy State:** Lower potential energy #### Summary: Understanding these transitions is crucial in the study of atomic physics and quantum mechanics. These diagrams provide a visual representation of how electrons move between energy levels within an atom, which is fundamental to explaining phenomena such as the emission or absorption of light at specific wavelengths.
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