Question

The energy levels of hydrogen (and other atoms) are _______ which means that only certain values of energy are allowed.

Short answer

The energy levels of hydrogen (and other atoms) are quantized (or discrete), which means that only certain values of energy are allowed.

Step-by-step solution

Understand energy levels in atoms

In atoms, electrons occupy distinct energy levels. These energy levels are not continuous but are quantized, meaning only specific energy values are allowed. Electrons can transition between these energy levels by absorbing or emitting energy in the form of photons.

Identify the correct term

The term that describes energy levels being quantized and only allowing certain energy values is "quantized" or "discrete".

Complete the sentence

With the correct term identified, the sentence can be completed as: The energy levels of hydrogen (and other atoms) are quantized (or discrete), which means that only certain values of energy are allowed.

Key concepts

Hydrogen Atom

The hydrogen atom is the simplest atom in the universe, consisting of just one electron orbiting a single proton located at its nucleus. This simplicity makes hydrogen an excellent model for understanding atomic structures and principles. In a hydrogen atom, the electron rotates around the nucleus in specific orbits or shells. These paths or shells are sometimes described as clouds or probabilities instead of simple orbits, thanks to quantum mechanics.

The behavior of the hydrogen atom's electron is governed by quantization, implying that the electron is restricted to certain allowed orbits with fixed energy levels. It cannot exist just anywhere around the nucleus but only in these defined states. This behavior is fundamental to our understanding of chemistry and physics.

• Single electron and proton structure
• Model for studying quantum mechanics
• Defined orbits and quantized energy levels

Understanding these principles is crucial for students as it serves as a foundation for exploring more complex atomic systems.

Atomic Energy Levels

Within an atom, energy levels refer to the fixed energy an electron can have as it orbits around the nucleus. These levels are not continuous but are rather quantized, meaning electrons can only exist at specific energy levels and not at intermediate values. This comes from the quantum mechanical nature of electrons.

The quantized energy levels can be visualized like the steps of a ladder. An electron must be on one of these steps, and it can't be in between. Each level corresponds to a unique electron configuration and energy state. Higher levels mean the electron is further away from the nucleus and possesses more energy.

• Quantized—restricted to fixed values
• Higher levels = more energy
• No intermediate states

This structure explains why atoms exhibit distinct spectral lines and why elements display unique chemical properties. It's a fundamental concept in both chemistry and physics.

Photon Absorption and Emission

Photon absorption and emission are processes where electrons transition between different energy levels in an atom. When an electron absorbs a photon, it gains energy and leaps to a higher energy level, while emission occurs if the electron releases a photon and falls to a lower energy level.

This is why specific amounts of energy are absorbed or emitted. The energy of a photon is equal to the difference between the two energy levels involved in the transition. The processes are key to understanding phenomena such as atomic spectra and the colors we see in the world around us.

• Absorption: Electron gains energy
• Emission: Electron releases energy
• Energy equals level difference

These concepts are crucial in fields like spectroscopy, where they help scientists determine the composition and properties of materials based on light absorption and emission properties.