Excess Energy [ENDORSED]

[rileygilbertson]

What happens to the excess energy that is supplied to get an electron to a certain energy level? If the jump from n1 to n2 takes 2 joules, but 2.5 is supplied, where will the extra .5 go?

[Tara Foroohar 3K]

The electron won't jump the energy level if it's not given the exact amount of energy needed. So it would need exactly 2 joules to go from n1 to n2 and if it's given 2.5 joules it just won't change energy levels.

[Sohini Halder 1G]

It needs a discrete amount. That's why only specific wavelengths are absorbed/emitted, because those exact frequencies give energies that move the electron from one level to the next. Each atom has a unique absorption and emission spectrum.