When an electron absorbs energy, it jumps to a higher orbital. This is called an excited state. An electron in an excited state can release energy and 'fall' to a lower state. When it does, the electron releases a photon of electromagnetic energy.
How do you know if energy is emitted or absorbed?
Emission is when electrons return to energy levels. Absorption is when electrons gain energy and jump to higher energy levels. Absorption and emission of light reveals details about the atomic structure of an atom by telling us the amount of energy levels and the space between the energy levels.
How does an electron absorb and release energy?
When an electron absorbs energy, it jumps to a higher orbital. This is called an excited state. An electron in an excited state can release energy and 'fall' to a lower state. When it does, the electron releases a photon of electromagnetic energy.
How do electrons transition between energy levels?
Electrons in atoms and molecules can change (make transitions in) energy levels by emitting or absorbing a photon (of electromagnetic radiation), whose energy must be exactly equal to the energy difference between the two levels.
What electron transitions release the most energy?
n = 3 to n = 1 releases the most energy (all transitions involve n changing by 2, but the lower transitions are larger).