Questions: Select the correct answer. What happens when an electron absorbs energy? A. The electron moves from a lower energy orbital to a higher energy orbital. B. The electron falls into the nucleus. C. The electron moves from a higher energy orbital to a lower energy orbital. D. The electron loses its charge.

Select the correct answer.

What happens when an electron absorbs energy?
A. The electron moves from a lower energy orbital to a higher energy orbital.
B. The electron falls into the nucleus.
C. The electron moves from a higher energy orbital to a lower energy orbital.
D. The electron loses its charge.

Transcript text: Select the correct answer. What happens when an electron absorbs energy? A. The electron moves from a lower energy orbital to a higher energy orbital. B. The electron falls into the nucleus. C. The electron moves from a higher energy orbital to a lower energy orbital. D. The electron loses its charge.

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Identify the Process

When an electron absorbs energy, it undergoes a transition between energy levels within an atom.

Step 2: Determine the Direction of Transition

The absorption of energy by an electron typically results in the electron moving from a lower energy orbital to a higher energy orbital.

Step 3: Evaluate the Options

Option A: The electron moves from a lower energy orbital to a higher energy orbital. This is consistent with the process of energy absorption.
Option B: The electron falls into the nucleus. This is incorrect as energy absorption does not cause the electron to fall into the nucleus.
Option C: The electron moves from a higher energy orbital to a lower energy orbital. This describes energy emission, not absorption.
Option D: The electron loses its charge. Electrons do not lose their charge when absorbing energy.

Step 4: Select the Correct Option

Based on the evaluation, Option A is the correct description of what happens when an electron absorbs energy.