Question

Which of the following experimental conditions would NOT excite an electron out of the ground state? A. Radiation B. High temperature C. High pressure D. None of the above

Short answer

C. High pressure

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Ground State

The ground state is the lowest energy state of an electron in an atom. Excitation refers to the process by which an electron absorbs energy and moves to a higher energy level.

Analyze Radiation

Radiation, such as light or other electromagnetic waves, can provide energy to an electron. If the energy of the radiation matches the energy gap between the ground state and a higher state, the electron can be excited to a higher energy level.

Analyze High Temperature

High temperature increases the kinetic energy of particles, which can lead to increased collisions. These collisions can transfer energy to the electrons, potentially exciting them to higher energy levels.

Analyze High Pressure

High pressure generally affects the physical state and volume of a substance, but it does not provide a direct energy source for exciting electrons. Instead, it influences the intermolecular forces and bond lengths.

Determine the Correct Answer

Based on the explanations, high pressure does not directly excite electrons out of the ground state like radiation or high temperature would. Therefore, the correct answer is high pressure.

Key concepts

Ground State

The ground state of an electron is its lowest energy state within an atom. Think of it as the electron's natural resting place. Electrons prefer this state because it requires the least amount of energy. When we talk about exciting an electron, we mean giving it enough energy to move out of this cozy spot to a higher energy level. This process usually requires an external source of energy, like light or heat.

Energy Levels

Energy levels are distinct regions around an atom where electrons can reside. These levels are like steps on a ladder; an electron can move from one level to another if it gains or loses the right amount of energy.

• Lower energy levels are closer to the nucleus and are more stable.
• Higher energy levels are further from the nucleus and are less stable.

When an electron absorbs energy, it jumps to a higher energy level. This leap is what we refer to as 'excitation'. Conversely, when an electron releases energy, it falls back to a lower energy level, often emitting light in the process.

Radiation

Radiation refers to the emission of energy through waves or particles. In the context of electron excitation, we often talk about electromagnetic radiation like light.

• When an atom absorbs radiation, the energy can be transferred to an electron.
• If the energy of the incoming radiation matches the energy required to move the electron to a higher energy level, excitation occurs.

Think of radiation as a key that matches the lock of an electron’s energy levels. Only the right amount of energy will move the electron from its ground state to a higher level.

Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. At higher temperatures, particles (including electrons) have more kinetic energy. When they collide, they can transfer this energy.

• Increased kinetic energy can lead to more frequent and forceful collisions.
• These collisions can provide the necessary energy to excite electrons from the ground state to a higher energy level.

Therefore, higher temperatures can contribute to electron excitation by ramping up the kinetic energy of particles in the environment.