Fiveable
Fiveable

Energy Levels

Definition

Energy levels are the fixed amounts of energy that a system (like an atom or molecule) can have. In an atom, they're the specific distances from the nucleus where electrons may reside.

Related terms

Ground State: The lowest energy state of an atom or other particle. It's like being on the first floor of our skyscraper.

Excited State: A state in which an atom has more energy than it does at its ground state. This is like taking the elevator up to a higher floor in our skyscraper.

Quantum Leap: When an electron moves from one energy level to another, often releasing or absorbing energy. It's like jumping between floors in our skyscraper without using stairs or elevators.

"Energy Levels" appears in:

Subjects (2)

  • AP Physics 2

  • AP Psychology

Study guides (1)

  • AP Chemistry - 1.5 Atomic Structure and Electron Configuration

Practice Questions (2)

  • Which of the following is true about the relationship of energy levels and collisions?

  • Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum is most commonly associated with electronic transitions between energy levels in molecules?

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab


Fiveable
About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

Stay Connected


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.