Question

An electron on an energy level has an energy of

16.32
×
1
0
−
8
16.32×10
−8
J. It moves to another level by absorbing
5.4
×
1
0
−
19
5.4×10
−19
J of energy. Which of the following descriptions most likely explains what occurred?

A. The electron moved down to an energy level and has an energy of
10.92
×
1
0
−
19
10.92×10
−19
J.
B. The electron moved down to an energy level and has an energy of
21.72
×
1
0
−
19
21.72×10
−19
J.
C. The electron moved up to an energy level and has an energy of
10.92
×
1
0
−
18
10.92×10
−18
J.
D. The electron moved up to an energy level and has an energy of
21.72
×
1
0
−
19
21.72×10
−19
J.

Answer 1

The electron moved to an energy level with the same energy as its initial level.

Step-by-step explanation:

The electron in an atom can change its energy level by absorbing or emitting specific amounts of energy. In this case, the electron absorbed 5.4 × 10-19 J of energy and moved to another energy level. To determine which description is correct, we need to compare the initial and final energies of the electron.

Given that the initial energy is 16.32 × 10-8 J and the energy absorbed is 5.4 × 10-19 J, we can find the final energy by adding the two values:

Final energy = Initial energy + Absorbed energy = 16.32 × 10-8 J + 5.4 × 10-19 J = 16.32 × 10-8 J

Since the final energy is the same as the initial energy, the electron moved to an energy level with the same energy as its initial level. Therefore, the correct description is Option A: The electron moved down to an energy level and has an energy of 16.32 × 10-8 J.