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In Bohr's model of the atom, the quantum number n is associated with the _____ of an electron orbit. The lower the n value, the _____ the electron is to/from the nucleus and the _____ the energy level.

User David Horn
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Final answer:

In Bohr's model, the principal quantum number (n) is associated with an electron's energy level, with lower n values indicating electrons closer to the nucleus and in lower energy states. Higher n values indicate electrons are further from the nucleus and in higher energy orbits.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Bohr's model of the atom, the quantum number n is associated with the energy level of an electron orbit. The lower the n value, the closer the electron is to the nucleus and the lower the energy level.

The principal quantum number (n) indicates the main energy level occupied by the electron and defines the shell. For instance, the 1st shell has n = 1, the 2nd shell has n = 2, and so forth. The electrons in lower shells (lower n values) are more tightly held by the nucleus due to their proximity, making them lower in energy. Conversely, as the value of n increases, electrons are found further from the nucleus in higher energy orbits. According to the Bohr model, removing electrons with higher values of n from an atom requires less energy because they are attracted less strongly to the positively charged nucleus.

It's also important to note that while Bohr's model has its usefulness, particularly for hydrogen-like atoms, it is a simplified version that has since been replaced by the more comprehensive quantum mechanical model which acknowledges that electrons do not move in precise orbits and are better described by probability distributions.

User Davidbak
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