Final answer:
Electrons transition between energy levels by absorbing or emitting photons, representing exact energy amounts necessary for the transitions. The process contributes to atomic emission spectra, which aid in the study of celestial bodies.
Step-by-step explanation:
How do electrons transition between energy levels in an atom? Electrons transition between energy levels by either absorbing or emitting energy in the form of photons. When an electron moves to a higher energy level, it does so by absorbing a photon that possesses the exact amount of energy necessary for the jump. Conversely, when an electron falls to a lower energy level, it emits a photon, releasing the surplus energy it no longer requires.
Each energy level in an atom is quantized, meaning that the energy differences between levels are fixed and discrete, so electrons can only move between these levels by absorbing or releasing precise amounts of energy.
The ground state of an electron is its lowest energy level, and any higher energy state is called an excited state. When electrons absorb energy in any form (heat, light, electricity), they may become excited and move to a higher energy state. As they return to their ground state, they release the energy they previously absorbed as photons, which can be observed in the atomic emission spectra that helps scientists understand the composition of distant stars and other celestial objects.