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.