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Why Do Electrons In An Atom Occupy Different Energy Levels

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The electrons in an atom occupy different energy levels.

When all of the electrons are at the lowest possible energy level they are said to be in the ground state.

Sometimes they can be promoted to a higher-energy electron shell.

First, the electron can absorb a photon of just the right amount of energy to move it from one quantum shell to another.

Second, when atoms are heated their electrons can gain energy from the heat.

When an electron is in a higher-energy shell it is said to be in an excited state.

Electrons in excited states do not usually stay in them for very long.

When electrons lose their energy, they do so by emitting a photon of light.

Their energy is directly proportional to the frequency of the light.

The photons emitted

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