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.
Analogy
Think of energy levels as floors in a skyscraper (the atom). Each floor (energy level) can only hold a certain number of people (electrons), and it takes more energy to move up to higher floors.
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.
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