Video Transcript
What name is given to the fixed
distances around a nucleus that an electron can occupy and move between?
This question is asking us to
identify the name of the positions which electrons occupy in the atom.
In an atom, there is a dense
overall positive center called the nucleus. The nucleus contains positively
charged particles called protons. The nucleus also contains neutral
particles called neutrons. Surrounding the nucleus, electrons
move in orbits. The electrons are negatively
charged particles.
Electrons occupy positions in their
orbits that are fixed distances from the nucleus. These electrons, as the question
suggests, can also move from one fixed distance to another. For an electron to be promoted to a
position farther from the nucleus, energy may be absorbed. When this energy is absorbed, the
electron is promoted. The electron can then release
energy. This causes the electron to fall
back down to a position closer to the nucleus. These positions of fixed distance
from the nucleus between which electrons can move are called energy levels. Energy levels in an atom are the
distances from the nucleus that describe the location of electrons.
Thus, we have determined the answer
to this question. The name given to the fixed
distances around a nucleus that an electron can occupy and move between is energy
levels.
