Question

Ellen the electron jumps from the 4s orbital to the 4d orbital. Edgar the electron jumped from the 4s to the 5s orbital. Which electron's energy change is greater?

A) Ellen's energy change is greater.
B) Edgar's energy change is greater.
C) Both have the same energy change.
D) The energy change depends on other factors.

Answer 1

Edgar the electron's energy change is greater since it involves an increase in the principal quantum number, which requires more energy than a transition within the same energy level.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is addressing a concept in chemistry, specifically the energy changes associated with electron transitions between atomic orbitals. When Ellen the electron jumps from the 4s to the 4d orbital, the energy change is relatively small because both orbitals are within the same principal energy level (n=4). In contrast, when Edgar the electron jumps from the 4s to the 5s orbital, the principal quantum number, n, increases from 4 to 5, resulting in a larger energy change due to the electron moving to a shell that is further away from the nucleus with less shielding and weaker nuclear attraction.

The correct answer is B) Edgar's energy change is greater. This is because the transition of an electron to a higher principal quantum level (from 4s to 5s) requires more energy than a transition within the same level (from 4s to 4d).